Resources
For the public
- State Bar of Texas Disaster Legal Helpline & Resources: 1 (800) 504-7030
- Federal Office of Emergency Management (FEMA)
- Houston Office of Emergency Management
- Ready Harris
- Houston Recovers
- For legal assistance, visit hba.org/needanattorney?.
- Houston Volunteer Lawyers: Founded in 1981 by the Houston Bar Association and a 501(c)(3) corporation since 1987, the Houston Volunteer Lawyers (HVL) works to deliver free legal services to low-income residents of Harris County. HVL links qualified applicants with attorneys volunteering their time on a pro bono basis. HVL 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 and non-US citizens. HVL provides outreach clinics, will clinics, AIDS clinics, veteran’s clinics and other pro bono legal services.
For information on Houston Volunteer Lawyers's legal services, visit www.legalhelphouston.org.
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Dispute Resolution Center: Established in 1980, the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) is a nonprofit corporation, sponsored by the Houston Bar Association and funded through the Harris County Courts, providing free mediation services for the residents of Harris County. The DRC mediates over 2,800 disputes each year that include: family, neighbors, auto repair, landlord and tenant, consumer and merchant, homeowner associations, employment, and personal injury.
For information on DRC's mediation services, visit drc.harriscountytx.gov.
- Houston Lawyer Referral Service: Houston Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to over 200 private practice attorneys who have been screened and selected on experience in specific areas of the law. HLRS serves individuals with a legal matter in the Houston Metropolitan area including Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria and Galveston counties. The HLRS was formed in 1958 and is sponsored by the HBA and eight other local bar associations. It is certified by the State Bar of Texas and is one of a select few programs nationwide that meets the standards of the American Bar Association.
Seeking a referral? Contact HLRS Executive Director Karen Ramsey at kramsey@hlrs.org or call (713) 650-0470. Visit hlrs.org to learn more.
Click here to view free legal information videos provided by Houston Lawyer Referral Services.
- State Bar of Texas free legal assistance for low-income individuals affected by Hurricane Beryl – call 1 (800) 504-7030
For attorneys
The full 2023 Disaster Manual can be found on TexasLawHelp – A compilation of resource materials for lawyers responding to legal questions from those affected by disasters.
See video guides below.
Watch the video series on hurricane season preparation for attorneys!
Hurricane Preparedness - Insurance
Video provided by: Houston Lawyer Referral Service
Hurricane Season – Lawyers' Insurance Tips
Featuring Jett Hanna, Texas Lawyers' Insurance Exchange
Houston Office of Emergency Management's Tips for Preparing for Hurricane Season
Featuring Mitch Reid, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, and Cory Stottlemyer, Houston Office of Emergency Management
Disaster Recovery for Lawyers
Featuring Mitch Reid, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, and Jesse Corona, The Corona Law Firm
Informal Probate – Deceased Without a Will
Video provided by: Houston Lawyer Referral Service
What to Do When a Loved One Dies Without a Will
Video provided by: Houston Lawyer Referral Service
The Importance of Having a Will
Video provided by: Houston Lawyer Referral Service
