Fallon is a staff attorney in our Civil Matters in Criminal Justice Unit. She has worked for Lone Star Legal Aid in Houston for 10 years.
“Being on the frontlines and working hard to provide access to justice for all Texans is the privilege of a lifetime. I have consciously decided that the purpose of my legal career is to fight the justice gap and be a true resource to my community.” – Fallon Hamilton Vaughn
Q: Looking back on your 10 years at LSLA, how have you grown as an attorney and advocate?
A: I have grown tremendously in the last 10 years as an attorney and advocate at LSLA. I have become a better listener and try my hardest to give everyone the opportunity to tell their story. We become jaded when we ignore the needs of the people, and working at LSLA has taught me how to meet the people where they are to get to the root of the problem.
Q: What drew you to the work of the Civil Matters in Criminal Justice Project?
A: After a brief stint in the private sector, I learned about the Civil Matters in Criminal Justice Project at LSLA and knew it was a sign for me to return to my public interest foundation. So many people are discriminated against due to their criminal record despite them having paid their debt to society. I wanted to help erase those barriers to sustainability and success and give individuals a fighting chance to be successful after being impacted by the criminal justice system.
Q: How does your work help clients move forward and rebuild their lives?
A: Record clearing helps clients gain confidence, find gainful employment, stable housing, and helps break the cycle of re-offending in the future. I have clients who have gone on to do great things like starting their own non-profits to help others who were also impacted by having a criminal record.
Q: What motivates you to continue advocating for clients after all these years at LSLA?
A: Seeing the relief on clients’ faces and knowing that I have given them a fair chance at moving forward with their lives is what keeps me motivated. The need for this work is very necessary, and I am blessed to be able to do it every day.
Q: What is one thing you wish more people understood about the importance of civil legal assistance after involvement with the criminal justice system?
A: I wish people understood that sometimes our hands are tied based on the law, and that unfortunately we cannot help everyone who has been impacted by the criminal justice system. It hurts me to have to tell someone that their case is not eligible for expunction, like physically hurts me because I know how much it means to them. We are oftentimes a place of last resort, so not being able to assist someone really hurts.