Dallas Bar Foundation

The Collins Clerkships provide a six-week, paid clerkship to 2L minority law students who plan to practice in North Texas upon graduation. The goal is to increase the diversity of the legal profession in North Texas by helping minority students prepare for job opportunities upon graduation from law school. The clerkships are with organizations such as the Supreme Court of Texas, the Fifth District Court of Appeals at Dallas, the 14th Civil District Court, the 68th Civil District Court, the Dallas County District Attorney's office , the Dallas County Public Defender's office, the Dallas City Attorney's office, the City of Irving Attorney's office.

The annual High School Mock Trial program conducted in North Texas area school districts culminates with the annual statewide mock trial competition held in Dallas and organized by the Dallas Bar Association attorney members. Students participate in actual courtroom settings and are evaluated by judges and attorneys. Students learn about the law, the legal profession, and civil rights and responsibilities.

Community Grant Awards are provided to local organizations whose mission is aligned with the Dallas Bar Foundation and whose programs will benefit from a grant award. Program outcomes must be documented and measurable. Written reports are submitted by the organizations receiving a grant award at the conclusion of the program describing the results achieved.

Clerkships, established in memory of Justice Baker, Bob Mow and Stephen Philbin, are awarded annually to area law students with high academic achievement. The students' interest must align with the specific intent of each of the clerkships. The six-week clerkships are at the Supreme Court of Texas or the U.S. District Court - Northern District of Texas or with attorneys involved with media law.

The annual scholarship is awarded to a 2L student at SMU Dedman School of Law who displays the leadership qualities demonstrated by Don McCleary. Community Involvement, civic leadership, and a commitment to diversity are important criteria in the selection process.

The Stephen Philbin Award for Excellence in Legal Reporting has been awarded for over 30 years. Stephen Philbin was known for his advocacy of the First Amendment and support of a free press. The annual award seeks to recognize journalists whose work represents excellence in the field of legal reporting.

Additionally, the Stephen Philbin Clerkship provides a six week summer internship to a law student with an interest in the First Amendment.