Lawyer's mission: Ensure no one denied legal help

Sharon Steckler worked as a certified public accountant for more than a decade before a desire to help others inspired her to go back to school and become an attorney at age 40. Steckler has worked as an attorney since 1990 and currently serves as executive director of Fort Bend Lawyers Care, a nonprofit organization that matches qualified, low-income applicants with volunteer attorneys who provide pro bono (free) legal representation.

"Most attorneys get interested in the law because of a desire to help people," Steckler said. "Fort Bend Lawyers Care affords volunteer attorneys that opportunity. We are funded almost entirely through grants and donations, so it is always great when we have an opportunity to let the public know about our mission – 'Equal Access to Justice Through Volunteer Lawyers.'"

In her role as executive director of Fort Bend Lawyers Care, Steckler has realized her dream of helping others on a regular basis. In fact, it's her favorite part of the job.

"There is no other way for a low-income person to gain access to justice in civil legal matters other than volunteer attorneys willing to accept pro bono representations," she said. "The relief and gratitude expressed by the people we help to solve their civil legal issues is amazingly rewarding. Most of our cases involve family law matters, and the impact on a low-income family of being able to get competent, free legal help cannot be overstated."

When she's not busy fulfilling her duties as executive director of Fort Bend Lawyers Care, Steckler, a canine enthusiast, enjoys judging dog shows all over the world.

"I love judging dog shows," Steckler said. "I have been an AKC-approved judge of boxers, Doberman pinschers, Great Danes, Rottweilers and junior showmanship for several years. I've judged the National Specialty of the American Boxer Club and internationally in Australia. I've judged all over the United States and love to see the beautiful specimens that are exhibited to me."

For more information on Sharon Steckler or Fort Bend Lawyers Care, call 281-239-0015, email info@FortBendLawyersCare.org or visit www.fortbendlawyerscare.org. You can also connect with Fort Bend Lawyers Care on Facebook and Twitter.

ABOUT Sharon Steckler
BIRTHDAY: Oct. 28
OCCUPATION: Attorney; executive director of Fort Bend Lawyers Care
COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Rosenberg resident
FAST FACT: Steckler also has a degree in business administration

Megan Mattingly-Arthur is a freelance writer. She can be reached at neighborhoods@chron.com.