SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 354

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Clinton Ferguson Cross, who is retiring after nearly 50 years of outstanding legal service to the citizens of Texas; and

WHEREAS, Clinton Cross served as a young volunteer for John Kennedy during the 1960 Democratic Convention, and in the aftermath of the president's assassination, he became inspired to dedicate his life to public service; during the course of his career, he has gained the admiration of professionals throughout the state for his work to protect the rights of consumers, his implementation of pro bono projects, and his commitment to secure access to justice for all; and

WHEREAS, In 1969, Mr. Cross accepted a position with the El Paso Legal Assistance Society; responsible for consumer litigation, he brought the first lawsuit in Texas ending the practice of referral selling, and he lobbied for passage of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act; in 1973, he was appointed an assistant attorney general of the State of Texas and was assigned to the Consumer Protection Division; after leaving the position, he continued to fight on behalf of citizens through his work in both the public and private sectors; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cross is a leading figure in his field who served as first director of the Texas Legal Services Center, and during his time as chairman of the State Bar Committee on Legal Services for the Poor, he established Texas Lawyers Care, a statewide pro bono program; he also helped to procure additional funds for legal aid organizations throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, Under his leadership, the State Bar created the Scurlock Award, an annual award given to an outstanding attorney who has furthered the cause of equal access to justice for all individuals; and

WHEREAS, Over the last five decades, Mr. Cross has earned the respect of his colleagues and the gratitude of countless individuals whose cases received justice due to his legal guidance; he is indeed deserving of recognition for his exemplary career; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby commend Clinton Ferguson Cross on his invaluable legal service to Texas citizens and on his many contributions to the consumers and the indigent of our state and extend to him best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Rodriguez

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 10, 2015.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate