Jackson Walker secured an important pro bono victory on behalf of death penalty counsel after successfully challenging a state Department of Corrections policy that restricted attorneys from bringing laptops, work product, and paper documents into legal visits at the state penitentiary.

The policy limited counsel’s ability to review case materials, obtain signatures, and provide effective representation in active capital proceedings, even as comparable access was allowed for other visitors and state prosecutors. After documenting the Department’s inconsistent enforcement, the constitutional concerns raised by the restrictions, and the practical impact on attorney-client representation, Jackson Walker delivered a comprehensive demand letter to Department leadership seeking a reasonable accommodation.

Within weeks, the Department confirmed in writing that laptops would be approved for use by death penalty counsel when reviewing records during legal visits at the state penitentiary. The result restored counsel’s ability to effectively represent clients in capital cases and removed a significant barrier to the delivery of competent legal services.

The Jackson Walker team included Christina Vitale, Conor Tomalty, Ivan De Leon, Jalen Johnson, Taylor Lanier, and Maggie Lu.

Meet Jackson Walker

Founded in 1887, Jackson Walker continues to advance the world of business by helping companies of all sizes navigate today’s increasingly complex legal landscape. With more than 500 attorneys across six offices, Jackson Walker is the largest law firm in Texas and has been recognized by Law360 as a “Texas Powerhouse” and an “elite law firm” that regularly provides counsel to industry-leading clients. The Firm’s dedicated Pro Bono program supports attorneys’ pro bono efforts through both legal service and financial support, and Jackson Walker attorneys contribute more than 6,000 hours to pro bono causes each year. To learn more about the Firm’s efforts to help ensure equal access to justice, visit Jackson Walker’s Pro Bono page.