At Munck Wilson Mandala, we share a deep commitment to the communities where we live and work. Giving back is an important part of who we are, as a law firm and as individuals. We are proud to furnish our time, energy, leadership and financial support to a wide variety of civic, cultural and philanthropic organizations, including the following:
American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association’s advocacy efforts include supporting government funding for diabetes research and programs, ensuring access to health care, promoting the prevention of type 2 diabetes, combatting discrimination, and much more. The ADA also has a unique legal advocacy program that helps individuals with diabetes experiencing discrimination at work, at school, and in other areas of their lives. People with diabetes deserve the same opportunities as everyone else, and we provide information and even legal assistance if discrimination happens. Our Advocacy improves the lives of people living with diabetes while giving them the chance to raise their voice.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross of North Texas serves a population of over 9 million people. MWM’s Matt Anderson is a member of the board and served as chairman of the board for the North Texas chapter the past two years. MWM’s Allison Ainsworth is a member of the American Red Cross Young Professional Advisory Board. Red Cross volunteers care for and support friends and neighbors who face the worst moments of their lives due to disasters. The Red Cross in North Texas works with the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and the international Red Cross and Red Crescent network. The mission at the Red Cross empowers people to become survivors. Through training and reinforcing preparedness steps, knowledge becomes action and action saves lives.
Bar None Production Company
Bar None is an annual variety show. Written, directed, and performed by Dallas-area attorneys and others in the legal community, Bar None raises funds exclusively for the Sarah T. Hughes Diversity Scholarship at the SMU Dedman School of Law, the UNT Dallas College of Law, and the Texas A&M University School of Law. MWM’s Matt Anderson is a member of Bar None and has served in various leadership roles since 2005.
Charlie’s Acres
Charlie’s Acres is dedicated to the care of rescued farm animals. They serve as a sanctuary where animals can live out their natural lives in peace, and as a venue for showing the general public that these intelligent beings deserve compassion. MWM’s Jenifer Wallis is a devoted member of the board of Charlie’s Acres and MWM sponsors fundraising events to support the sanctuary.
Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
The Dallas Association of Young Lawyers is dedicated to the needs of young lawyers and the community service projects they are passionate about. DAYL projects allow members to select community service opportunities that are most important to them. MWM members of DAYL include Chase Cobern, Tracy Carson, Connor Cassady, Ilana Zelener, Michele Naudin, Nicole Paige, and Keith Harden. DAYL has two primary goals: improve the quality of life for all young lawyers; and to serve the Dallas community.
Dallas Theater Center
Dallas Theater Center is a major regional theater that engages, entertains, and inspires a diverse community by creating experiences that stimulate new ways of thinking and living, by consistently producing plays, education programs and other initiatives that are of the highest quality and reach the broadest possible constituency. MWM has supported DTC over the years and Larry Mandala is a past board member.
Dallas Regional Chamber
The Dallas Regional Chamber is the area’s leading membership-driven business organization, committed to promoting economic prosperity by leading economic development, driving improvements in public education, influencing public policy, and catalyzing and advocating for regional partnerships. The DRC works to ensure that the Dallas region will become the most economically prosperous region—and the most desirable place to live and work—in the United States. MWM supports the DRC through sponsorships and Leadership Dallas activities.
Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support
The mission of Genesis Women’s Shelter is to provide safety, shelter and support for women who have experienced domestic violence, and to raise awareness regarding its cause, prevalence and impact. Genesis served nearly 1300 women and children last year and relies on the generous support of the Dallas community to continue providing these services at no cost to clients. MWM’s Jordan Strauss is a member of the Genesis Women’s Shelter Alliance Board of Directors.
Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
The Austin Chamber is a private, non-profit, membership-driven organization comprised of over 3,000 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals. The Austin Chamber tackles the biggest issues facing businesses and provides leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous regional economy and effective advocacy for its partners.
Military Child Education Coalition
The Military Child Education Coalition helps children growing up in military families by providing them, their parents, and professionals with programs, resources, and guidance–helping the child stay on course academically, socially, and emotionally. MWM’s David G. Henry has served on the board of directors for MCEC for several years and served as vice-chair for four years. As a board member, David meets with the Joint Chiefs of Staff for briefings on DODEA issues, gives White House briefings, and coordinates with numerous sponsoring business leaders.
Orange County Bar Association Mentoring Committee
The OCBA Mentoring Program is designed for attorneys who are admitted to practice five years or less. Participants accepted into the Program are matched with an experienced, active OCBA member available to provide guidance to the participant in such areas as ethics and professionalism, practice and law office management, general lawyering skills, and business/client development. MWM’s Eve Brackmann is co-chair of the Mentoring Committee for her fourth year and she is also Director at Large on the OCBA Board of Directors. The committee meets to review and develop criteria for the Mentoring Program, and to evaluate and screen proteges and mentors.
Pro Bono
Another component of our community service is the provision of pro bono legal services. We recognize that lawyers have a responsibility to help those who cannot afford legal representation. Through the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, for example, we have provided pro bono services in family law matters, such as the enforcement of child support orders and the adoption of children removed from their homes by the Child Protective Services division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.