2026 Poverty Law Conference: Full Schedule

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9:00am CDT

Shields for the Vulnerable: Surviving and Thriving in USCIS Advocacy for T, U, and VAWA Cases

Friday September 4, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

Humanitarian relief for survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, and other serious crimes involves unique procedural hurdles and lengthy wait times. This session provides an advanced toolkit for handling T-visas, U-visas, and VAWA self-petitions. Topics include strategies for obtaining law enforcement certifications, responding to complex Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and utilizing the Bona Fide Determination (BFD) process to secure work authorization for clients earlier in the process. We will also discuss the "Wellness" aspect of this work, focusing on how staff can maintain high-quality representation while managing the secondary trauma inherent in survivor advocacy.

Speakers

Leticia Galicia

DOJ Accredited Representative, RAICES

Bianca Aguilera

Josefina Castro

DOJ Accredited Representative, RAICES

Friday September 4, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Junior Ballroom

Immigration Law

10:15am CDT

If The Shoe Doesn’t Fit…The Impact of Unjust Legal Financial Obligations and a Model for Justice Court Ability to Pay Determinations

Friday September 4, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Junior Ballroom

Across the country, unjust fines and fees burden millions of Americans. Rather than serving justice, these legal financial obligations trap people in poverty and prolong their involvement with the criminal justice system. Despite laws on the books that require ability to pay assessments, Texas is no exception. This is especially true in our justice courts, where defendants have no right to counsel and are often unaware of their right to have the judge determine their ability to pay and then sentence appropriately. In this session, Lisa Foster, Co-Founder and Senior Advisor of the Fines and Fees Justice Center, and Judge Steven Duble, Harris County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1, Place 2, will present on: 1. The impact of unjust fines and fees on individuals, families and communities, 2. The positive outcomes of having effective ability to pay determinations, and 3. How Harris County Justice of the Peace Court 1-2 is seeking to create a model ability to pay assessment process – one that is fair, efficient and effective.

Speakers

Lisa Foster

Fines and Fees Justice Center, Fines and Fees Justice Center

Lisa Foster is the Co-Executive Director of the Fines and Fees Justice Center, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending the unjust and harmful imposition of fines and fees in the criminal legal system. A retired judge, Lisa is also the former director of the Office for Access to Justice... Read More →

Judge Steve Duble

Justice of the Peace, Harris County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1

Steve Duble has been the Justice Peace for Harris County Precinct 1, Place 2 (located in downtown Houston) since January 1, 2023. Since taking office, he has taken bold action to increase access to justice. He earned his undergraduate degree from Texas Christian University in 1986... Read More →

Friday September 4, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Junior Ballroom

Multidisciplinary/ Miscellaneous

11:30am CDT

Justice Blooms: Coalition Building to Address Legal Needs in Texas Legal Deserts

Friday September 4, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT

Junior Ballroom

Coalition building with a varied set of legal and non-legal partners in the Texas Panhandle has seeded the environment for a legal desert bloom in this region. This session will cover the successes and lessons learned during the Texas Immigration Law Council’s ongoing Panhandle Project, including practical guidance for coalition building with legal and non-legal partners. This session will cover ethical boundaries of engagement and addressing unauthorized practice of law. Presenters will provide frameworks for coalition building and measuring impact, including what organizations should consider when engaging partners, and deciding on structure of the coalitions. Attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of the coalition building model and concrete examples to utilize in their own work.

Speakers

Marcela Evans

Managing Attorney, Texas Immigration Law Council

Marcela brings a breadth of professional experiences and a multifaceted lens that she applies to her work. Marcela has focused her legal practice on providing stability, security, and education for her clients and communities. Marcela has held various leadership roles at Kids in Need... Read More →