The Kirkland pro bono team — consisting of transactional lawyers and litigators from the Dallas office — has partnered with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office to expunge 232 charges women have received related to their abuse, helping nearly 50 individuals in 2024 alone. With expunged records, these women are better able to secure employment and housing and achieve financial stability for themselves and their families.

While serving as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas from 2017–2021, Erin spent much of her time working on women’s initiatives related to domestic violence and human trafficking. She was appointed by the attorney general to lead the domestic violence task force, and she received local and national recognition for her efforts, including receiving the Jane Doe Award in 2020 from nonprofit Genesis Women’s Shelter. The women she met through this work and the stories they told her made a deep impact and, within months of starting at Kirkland, she proposed the idea for what would become known as Project Second Chance.

The notes of gratitude we’ve received from our clients have shown us just how meaningful this work is for them and their future. They didn’t know how to reconcile what had happened earlier in their life. Our work helps them move on from their past and find real opportunity.” - Erin Nealy Cox

Texas law on human trafficking and violence has changed in recent years, and many women survivors are unaware that they’re eligible for expunction. Even legal professionals often struggle to identify qualifying offenses. But Erin’s extensive experience has enabled her to bring together the right people and organizations, such as Genesis and the Dallas County District Attorneys’ Office, to help survivors forge a path forward.

More than 40 Kirkland attorneys and staff in Texas have contributed to Project Second Chance since its launch, reflecting a true Firmwide effort that has received moving feedback from the clients they’ve served. The team hopes to replicate the success by expanding efforts to Houston this year.

“This project is not splashy or headline-driven in terms of results; it’s the slow and steady work horse of real progress,” Erin said. “The team works on one case at a time, one client at a time, making a small difference in one life at a time, and eventually, you start to see a real impact. We’ve got a good system going, and I’m so proud of Kirkland’s Dallas office for their support in leading this effort.”

Project Second Chance: Nearly 75 Women Receive a Fresh Start

Project Second Chance: Nearly 75 Women Receive a Fresh Start