Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program helps low-income citizens that other programs often cannot serve, such as those who may not meet the financial criteria of other legal assistance programs or non-US citizens. This is what makes HVLP unique. HVLP’s commitment to helping those in need strongly reinforces how deeply the legal profession cares about the Houston community.

Volunteer attorneys may accept many different types of cases. HVLP attempts to match the volunteer attorney’s requests with client needs. HVLP screens all cases for merit and client financial eligibility. Malpractice coverage, materials, forms; pleadings and training (as needed) are provided to volunteers. Time commitments vary according to each case. Volunteer attorneys may also participate in statewide community education programs and telephone intake/advice only projects. Time commitment for these projects varies as well.

Attorneys have a special trust in our society and a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Nowhere is this impact more apparent that in the lower income communities of our nation, among those individuals who desperately need legal assistance, but cannot afford to hire an attorney.

The Rules of Professional Conduct recognize that lawyers have an ethical obligation to do pro bono work. Without the assistance of volunteer attorneys, the vast majority of the legal needs of lower income families would go unmet.

HVLP invites you to join other Houston attorneys in providing pro bono legal services to Houston's low income. Houston and Harris County need your help!