Legal Services in Texas
Texas is a large and unique state with a unique set of laws. Attorneys licensed to practice in Texas must meet certain requirements to ensure that they are qualified and competent to practice law in Texas. Individuals seeking free legal advice in Texas can find assistance through several legal aid organizations in the state. Texas has diverse legal associations and organizations that cater to many specialized areas of the law as well as regions of Texas.
Becoming a Lawyer in Texas
Texas attorneys are screened to ensure they are capable of providing competent and quality legal services. All Texas lawyers must hold a law degree from an institution approved by the Texas Board of Law Examiners. The prospective lawyer must then successfully pass a background check that will certify that he or she is of good moral character and is fit to practice law. Aspiring attorneys must pass both the Texas Bar Exam as well as the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). All attorneys must enroll with the State Bar of Texas and pay the required fees to become licensed. This process ensures that Texas attorneys are qualified to provide legal services to the public.
Free Legal Advice in Texas
Texas has three major legal aid organizations that provide free legal advice to individuals who qualify financially. Legal Aid of Northwest Texas provides services to individuals who live in any one of 114 counties in Northwest Texas. Lone Star Legal Aid services individuals who reside in any of 72 counties throughout East and South Texas. Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, Inc. provides legal services to residents of South and West Texas. To apply for services individuals should contact the legal aid association that serves their county of residence.
For individuals who do not qualify for free legal services through one of the Legal Services Corporation organizations mentioned above, free legal advice may still be available through legal clinics or “attorney for a day” programs sponsored by legal aid organizations or local bar associations. While these programs will typically not provide representation in court, they can help answer questions and prepare individuals for legal proceedings. For more information on these programs, individuals should contact their local legal aid organization or local bar association.
Texas' attorney admission requirements ensure that high-quality attorneys are available to provide legal services to the public. Free legal advice through a legal aid organization or local bar association help attorneys meet the needs of clients in Texas. Various state and local bar associations provide valuable services to clients and attorneys alike. Individuals seeking legal advice may wish to start by calling their local bar association for information on free legal advice and referral programs in their area.
Law Firms in Texas
Texas attorneys can be found by contacting the state bar association, word of mouth referral, searching online or in the local yellow pages for San Antonio attorneys, law firms in Austin, Dallas lawyers, legal advice in El Paso, Fort Worth attorneys and Houston legal practices.
Legal professionals and law associates looking for serviced office suites in Texas will find an outstanding range of offices in Addison, Dallas, Houston, Irving and North Dallas.
Legal Associations/Organizations in Texas
Residents of Texas and the attorneys who practice there can find many resources through legal associations and organizations. Legal organizations will often provide general resource information on topical areas and can provide lists of attorneys who practice in certain counties or practice areas. Legal organizations based on location often sponsor community legal events and other free services to the public. Attorneys can find mentors and other networking opportunities by participating in legal associations.
Texas' diversity and unique character are reflected in the variety of legal associations present in the state. There are legal organizations for most counties and large cities in Texas, as well as legal associations for most practice areas. Many local bar associations also have sections devoted to distinct practice areas. The State Bar of Texas is the statewide bar association. Large cities such as Austin and Dallas also have their own local bar associations. Some legal associations cater to specific practice areas or interest groups, such as the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association or the Cyberspace Bar Association in Dallas.
Texas paralegals and legal assistants have access to professional associations such as the North Texas Paralegal Association and the Dallas Area Paralegal Association.