Texas Legal Foundation

As stated in its nonprofit charter (pdf file), the purpose of the Texas Legal Foundation is to advocate, in the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal and state governments, conservative public policy positions that are held by a majority of Texas citizens but that have not been implemented by the government.

The Texas Legal Foundation was founded by Steve Smith in 1994. Its first clients were two of the four plaintiffs in the Hopwood v. Texas case, which ended racial preferences in admissions and scholarships at Texas universities from 1996 until 2003.

The Texas Legal Foundation is currently engaged in two lawsuits involving issues of statewide importance. In Venable v. Williamson County, TLF represents taxpayers seeking to enforce the longstanding statutory ban on taxpayer-funded legislative lobbying by county government organizations. In People for Efficient Transportation v. Perry, TLF represents a statewide grassroots organization that opposes Governor Perry's plan to privatize and toll public highways for the first time in United States' history.

Steve Smith, David Rogers, and Matthew Griffing currently serve on the governing board of the Texas Legal Foundation. Steve Smith, a former Texas Supreme Court Justice, is TLF's president and general counsel. David Rogers is TLF's policy director and assistant general counsel.

The Texas Legal Foundation's mission is to advocate conservative public policy positions. TLF welcomes new members, contributors, and others who want to help the organization fulfill its mission. For example, if you have ideas or suggestions for litigation or legislative advocacy that are consistent with that mission, please contact TLF.

Thank you for your interest in the Texas Legal Foundation.