The Juvenile and Children’s Advocacy Project (JCAP) at the University of Houston Law Center today announced its first corporate partnership with CenterPoint Energy. CenterPoint Energy’s legal department, as well as outside counsel, are working with JCAP on a on pro bono juvenile record-sealing program. The program’s goal is to improve the lives of young individuals so that they no longer encounter barriers when they apply to college, enlist in the military, obtain financial aid, secure housing, request other public benefits, or seek employment.
“As a leading advocate for juvenile justice in the Houston area, JCAP extends its gratitude to CenterPoint Energy for its incredible support of this critical work,” said Katya Dow, founder and legal programs director, JCAP and professor of practice at UH Law Center.
CenterPoint Energy’s legal team includes attorneys Monica Karuturi, Shane Kimzey, Pooja Amin, John Price, Stephanie Bundage, Mickey Moon, Shannon Terry, Darrell Williams and several staff members who are providing pro bono juvenile record-sealing services for families in Harris County.
CenterPoint’s outside counsel, Cynthia Mabry and Rob Shearer of Akin Gump; Christy Ho, Brooksie Boutet, Xperanza Uviedo, Joel Montgomery, and Tien Hunter of Shipley Snell Montgomery; and Jim Barkley and Tyler Murray of Baker Botts are also providing support to represent juvenile clients referred by JCAP and Houston Volunteer Lawyers.
CenterPoint Energy’s legal department also provided funding for the development of education and outreach tools to enhance JCAP’s ability to increase its impact in the greater Houston area.
