Public Information Brochure
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Each year, the HBA publishes a brochure for the public that provides information and phone numbers for the association's many community and legal services programs, in an effort to get the word out about the many types of help available through HBA programs. The brochures are widely distributed at forums such as the Houston Public Library, the Law Day Naturalization Ceremony, the People's Law School, the Harris County Jury Assembly Room, churches, social service agencies, and other groups. More than 51,000 copies were distributed during the past year to more than 80 groups.
Houston Volunteer Lawyers
Through the Houston Volunteer Lawyers, a Service of the Houston Bar Association, attorneys volunteer their time to provide legal services in civil matters for Houston's needy citizens. This program helps those who cannot get help through other legal aid programs and is based on income eligibility. Special units within the Houston Volunteer Lawyers handle family law, Bankruptcy, HIV/AIDS, problems of the elderly, and victims of domestic violence. To reach the program, call (713) 228-0732 or click here to visit their website.
Dispute Resolution Center
The Dispute Resolution Center offers residents of Harris County a free alternative to legal action. Services include community-based mediation, court-ordered mediation, arbitration, and moderated settlement conferences. Trained mediators and moderators help parties reach agreement before the problem leads to a costly lawsuit or violence. If you have a problem or lawsuit, mediation may be beneficial. For more information, please call (713) 755-8274 or click here to visit website.
Houston Lawyer Referral Service
Provides access to competent legal representation in all areas of the law according to legal need, financial resources and geographic preference. Attorneys are screened and selected based on experience. The first 30-minute consultation is $20.00 after which the attorney will negotiate normal fees. HLRS assists over 125,000 individuals annually in Harris, Montgomery, Ft Bend, Brazoria and Galveston counties, TX. To speak to a trained staff member, call 713-237-9429 or click here for the Houston Lawyer
Referral Service website.
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LegalLine
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The Houston Bar Association offers free legal advice over the phone through LegalLine. The Mexican American Bar and the Hispanic Bar, together with the Houston Bar Association offer Consejos Legales for Spanish speakers.
LegalLine Brochure
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For all of these programs, call 713-759-1133 during the time specified.
The HBA has three legal handbooks available in English, Spanish, and Chinese for the public and some handbooks available in Vietnamese and Korean. These handbooks are prepared by attorneys who are experts in their respective fields, and are written in an easy to read, question and answer format. The handbooks are updated after every Texas Legislature session (every 2 years.) Also available is a medical directive to physicians and family or surrogate, commonly referred to as a "Living Will." Click here for link. To find out how to get a copy of one of the handbooks mailed to your address, click here.
2012-2013 HBA Family Law Handbook - English - Spanish - Chinese
2012-2013 HBA Elder Law Handbook - English - Chinese
2012-2013 HBA Consumer Law Handbook - English - Spanish - Chinese
Information for the Public
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Consumer Legal Information
click here for link
Educational Videos
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Speakers Bureau
The Houston Bar Association provides attorneys willing to speak on legal topics to schools, churches, and other community groups without charge. To arrange for a speaker, call
Bonnie Simmons at (713) 759-1133. Send the request form to Bonnie Simmons by email bonnies@hba.org or fax 713-759-1710.
[Speakers Bureau Brochure] [Speaker Request Form]
The HBA Speakers Bureau Committee has published a booklet about "Law As A Career" [Download brochure]
It is intended to be shared with middle school and high school students.
Elder Law Services
Senior Citizens have unique legal needs. The HBA's Elder Law Committee facilitates programs that help income-eligible seniors with legal problems, including wills and medical directives. Volunteer attorneys also visit senior center to provide legal counseling.
• Click here for
more information on services, and helpful resource numbers.
The People's Law School
Twice each year, the HBA serves as a sponsor of The People's Law School, presented by Richard Alderman, "The People's Lawyer," at the University of Houston Center for Consumer Law. These free classes teach citizens about their legal rights.
• click here to visit website
Fee Dispute Committee
The HBA Fee Dispute Committee sets up panels of attorneys and lay persons that will arbitrate disputes between attorneys and clients,
and between attorneys and attorneys, involving legal fees. For information, call (713) 759-1133.
Fee Dispute Rules & Regulations click here to download PDF
Fee Complaint Form click here to download PDF
Fee Consent Form
click here to download PDF
Frequently Asked Questions click here to download PDF
The HBA provides free wills for eligible senior citizens (60+) each spring. All seniors must contact the Houston Volunteers Lawyers Program (713-228-0735) for screening to determine eligibility. For further information, please contact Lucy Fisher at 713-759-1133.
The 2013 Will-A-Thon will be held Tuesday, April 16 and Tuesday, May 21, 2013.
Click here for more information and how to sign up. Haga clic aquí para la información en español.
Click here for the 2013 Volunteer form.