Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation Donates to UH Law Center to Expand Criminal Justice Clinic

Joshua Lake, newly appointed director of the University of Houston Law Center’s Criminal Justice Clinic, will lead the expansion of the clinic, which is being funded by a significant donation from Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation. The donation aims to increase legal services for underserved communities in Houston. 

Beyoncé's BeyGOOD Foundation is no stranger to using its resources for change. But its latest initiative goes beyond a mere financial contribution — it’s a calculated push into one of America’s most pressing issues: criminal justice reform.

The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) has received a major boost, thanks to BeyGOOD, which is helping expand its Criminal Justice Clinic through a significant donation of $100K. This isn’t just about providing immediate relief — it’s an investment in transforming how criminal justice is practiced and experienced, especially in Houston, a city plagued by systemic inequalities.

The funds will allow the clinic to grow and extend its reach to underserved communities. Joshua Lake, a seasoned criminal defense attorney with extensive experience in both federal and state cases, will now lead the clinic’s efforts. Lake, whose work has already made a significant impact, will oversee the expansion, training the next generation of lawyers to advocate for justice where it’s most needed. His leadership — coupled with the resources provided by BeyGOOD — signals a new era for UHLC’s commitment to those caught in a broken system.

“This donation is not just about expanding our capacity,” said Leonard M. Baynes, Dean of UHLC. “It’s about giving people a fighting chance — a chance to be represented and to have their voices heard. This is about transforming the future of criminal justice.”

For Beyoncé, this isn’t just another philanthropic gesture — it’s a direct response to the ongoing racial disparities within the criminal justice system. Houston, her hometown, is a city where Black and Brown communities have long felt the effects of over-policing, wrongful convictions, and racial profiling. This initiative ensures that those most affected by these systemic issues will have access to the resources and support they need. Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation is using its influence to bridge the gap and assist communities that often face the harshest consequences of legal injustice.

The clinic, which already provides hands-on experience for law students in criminal defense, will now have the capacity to serve even more individuals in need. Through this expansion, UHLC hopes not only to continue fighting on behalf of the wrongly accused but also to ensure that the next generation of attorneys understands the full scope of social justice and advocacy.

Beyoncé’s involvement extends beyond this donation. Her commitment to UHLC’s Criminal Justice Clinic is a part of her broader, long-term mission to reshape America’s legal and social landscape. The BeyGOOD Foundation’s strategic focus on criminal justice advocacy places Beyoncé at the forefront of a movement seeking to redefine how justice is served.