Houston attorneys will promote access to justice for all Houstonians during National Pro Bono Week, October 25-31, with free legal advice clinics and other programs for those facing legal problems but who cannot afford to hire an attorney. “While we are committed to providing pro bono services throughout the year, during Pro Bono Week, we have stepped up our efforts to increase awareness of the legal services available to low-income people living in our city,” said Houston Bar Association president, Laura Gibson.
National Pro Bono Week is an initiative of the American Bar Association to recognize the impact that pro bono legal services have on our communities. In Houston alone, nearly half a million people qualify for legal aid. Without lawyers willing to donate their time, most would be left with nowhere to turn. The Houston Bar Association (HBA) matches qualified clients with volunteer lawyers through its pro bono service arm, Houston Volunteer Lawyers.
The HBA and Houston Volunteer Lawyers are teaming up to offer a special slate of services during Pro Bono Week, some of which will become permanent projects. For a full schedule of programs, visit www.makejusticehappen.org/probonoweek or call (713) 228-0732. Some notable programs are:
October 23
Neighborhood Centers Tax Clinic, Baker Ripley, 6500 Rookin (77074), 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., walk-ins welcome
October 28
Family Law LegalLine, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., call-in only, 713-759-1133
Volunteers from the Houston Bar Association Family Law Section will answer calls from the public regarding family law legal matters, answer legal questions and provide brief legal advice, as well as other resources.
October 30
Veterans Legal Clinics
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe (77030)
- Regional Veterans Affairs Office, 6900 Almeda Rd. (77054)
The two clinics run concurrently, from 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. on a walk-in basis. Volunteer attorneys will meet one-on-one with veterans to answer legal questions and conduct intake for continued pro bono representation in civil matters.
Self-Help Divorce Clinic, Harris County Law Library, 1019 Congress (77002), 10:00 a.m-2:30 p.m., by appointment
This event will kick off a new permanent clinic for those representing themselves in certain kinds of divorce cases. Those who would like to attend this clinic must first complete the questionnaire at www.makejusticehappen.org/probonoweek. A member of Houston Volunteer Lawyers’ staff will call qualified applicants to schedule a clinic appointment.