The Texas Access to Justice Commission created the Corporate Counsel Committee in 2004 to encourage participation in pro bono legal services by in-house counsel. The committee promotes funding for legal aid and pro bono contributions by corporate counsel.
Chaired by Charles Matthews of ExxonMobil in Dallas, the Corporate Counsel Committee's members include general counsel from across Texas. Houston area members are Stephen F. Gates of ConocoPhillips; Craig Glidden of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP; Michael L. Jines of Reliant Resources; Catherine Lamboley of Shell Oil Company; Kevin M. McDonald of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation; Frederick J. Plaeger II of Burlington Resources, Inc.; Scott E. Rozzell of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.; William F. Schwind, Jr. of Marathon Oil Company; and Jennifer L. Vogel of Continental Airlines, Inc.
The committee partners with the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) to develop corporate pro bono summits in cities across Texas. Last May, Houston hosted the first corporate pro bono summit, organized by ExxonMobil's Peggy Montgomery, who chairs the Operating Subcommittee; Tom Brandt of Shell Oil Company; Donna Katos of Continental Airlines; and Alice Adams of CenterPoint Energy.
Designed specifically for corporate legal departments, the Houston summit explained the need for pro bono involvement by in-house counsel, discussed ways to develop and support pro bono projects, and explored opportunities for corporate volunteers. More than 40 attorneys participated in the half-day event.