Applying for Help from Legal Aid

Take some time and think about what has already happened in your case. Also, think about what your ideal outcome at the end of the case is.

Gather any evidence and documents you think might help you prove your case. Contact anyone who might be able to be a witness in your case, just in case they might be needed by the lawyer and/or later in the case.

Using the results of the first two steps, sit down and write out everything that has happened in your case. This is called a Fact Statement. Start from the very beginning of your case. Make sure to include dates and references to any evidence you might have to help prove your side of the story. Also, write down what your ideal outcome of the case is. This is called a Goal Statement.

Use TexasLawHelp's Legal Help Directory to search for a legal aid organization that handles your type of case. Contact the organization by phone or through their website. Detailed contact information is included in the search results for each organization.

It may take time to get through to legal aid. If you can't reach someone, keep trying or check their website to see if they offer an in-person intake clinic, which may provide faster assistance. If your case is an emergency (such as having an upcoming deadline or court date within the next one to two weeks), make sure to let the organization know.

Due to high demand and limited funding it may take legal aid a while to get back to you. This can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the organization. The organization has not forgotten about your case, but is trying to respond to a high call volume. You can call back if an urgent deadline comes up in your case to inform the organization. Once the organization has made a determination of what services they are able to provide they will call you back.

If the organization offers free legal representation, you will need to sign a representation agreement. This formalizes their commitment to handling your case. Take time to review your options and ensure that signing the agreement aligns with your goals and expectations.

Even if full representation isn’t available, the organization may provide other forms of help. These can include legal advice, document analysis, or referrals to another organization that might be better suited to help with your specific needs.

There are many ways legal aid organizations and legal clinics can help you. Learn about the different service types below.

Self-Help Information

This information is meant to help you better understand the laws related to your case. Self-help can include DIY court forms, legal articles, and interactive tools.

Self-help is not a replacement for legal advice.

Additional Self-Help Information

• Texas State Law Library
• Law Library Finder
• Google Scholar
• Lexis Nexis (Fee)
• Westlaw Guide (Fee)
• Legal Research: Steps to Follow

Legal Advice

Legal advice is when a lawyer gives you their professional opinion on what has happened, will happen, or how to solve your problem. Legal advice can only be provided by a lawyer.

Brief Services

Brief Services is when a lawyer gives you legal advice and also helps you put together your legal paperwork. Paperwork can include filling out forms, writing new pleadings, writing letters, and more.

Assisted Pro Se Services

Assisted pro se services provide legal advice, help you with your paperwork, and also coach you through the legal system. Most organizations that provide assisted pro se services will not actually go to court for you.

Full Representation

Full representation is when a lawyer handles the entire case for you. The lawyer is responsible for handling your issue and getting it resolved through the legal system.