- Our History
About us
The Clinton Young Foundation provides pro bono advocacy, legal representation, and reentry support to Texans who are wrongfully convicted or disproportionately sentenced, working to advance fairness and integrity in the pursuit of justice.
Join our team
Stand with us for justice; your talent can change a life.
11 years of fighting injustice
- About us
Fighting for Justice since 2014
- our team
Meet Our Team
Founded in 2014 to spotlight Clinton Young’s death-penalty case, our work has since expanded across Texas. In 2020, we established operations in Texas under Legal Director Merel Pontier and built an international team of volunteers and experts. Together we investigate, develop post-conviction claims, and prepare parole materials for people who are wrongfully convicted or excessively punished—bringing rigorous casework and human-centered advocacy to those who need it most.
- FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of cases does the Clinton Young Foundation take?
We focus on Texans with credible claims of actual innocence or severely disproportionate sentences (including juvenile-at-the-time cases, tainted or outdated forensics, Brady/Napue issues, and conflict-of-interest prosecutions).
How do I submit a case for review?
Complete our Intake Form (online or PDF). Include the judgment, appellate opinions, key transcripts, and any new evidence if you have it. We’ll acknowledge your submission and tell you how long our initial review will take.
Do you charge clients for your services?
No. Our work is pro bono and funded by donors and grants. Clients may be responsible for certain third-party costs (e.g., records, expert testing) when grants or donors aren’t available, but we try to cover these.
I’m outside Texas—can you help?
Our direct representation and casework center on Texas. For out-of-state matters, we can potentially provide referrals to innocence organizations or clinics in your jurisdiction.
How can I support the Foundation?
You can donate, volunteer (legal, investigation, reentry support, communications, social media), or partner as a pro bono firm or expert. Media and speaking requests are welcome—contact us via the site’s Contact page.