Office Information
| Name: | TRLA Legal Aid - Austin Office |
| Address: | 4920 N. I-35, Austin, TX - 78751 |
| Phone: | (512) 374-2700 |
| Fax: | (512) 447-3940 |
Service Information
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) is a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to low-income residents in sixty-eight counties of Southwest Texas, and represents migrant and seasonal farm workers throughout the state of Texas and six southern states: Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas. In addition, TRLA operates public defender programs in several Southwest Texas counties, representing the poor who are accused of felonies, misdemeanors and juvenile crimes.
TRLA is the third largest legal services provider in the nation and the largest in the state of Texas.
Qualifying for Free Legal Aid
To qualify for free legal services from TRLA, an applicant must meet the income, asset, and immigration requirements established by the United States Congress, the Texas Legislature, and other funding sources. TRLA will always attempt to find a funding source that will permit representation for persons who are unable to afford the services of a private attorney.
The guidelines are complicated, but trained intake workers will be the first step of the process. Applicants will be asked various questions regarding income, assets, and citizenship/immigration status in order to see whether they are eligible.
Legal Services Provides
TRLA provides legal services for cases that range from routine family law counseling to complex litigation in state and federal courts, from the local Justice of the Peace to the United States Supreme Court. There are three dozen different practice areas in which TRLA attorneys specialize. The TRLA practice areas are categorized into groups.
Economic & Social Justice
Colonias & Real Estate
Consumer
Disaster Assistance
Economic Advocacy
Elder Law
Environmental Justice
Federal Tax Law
Guardianships
Mental Health Law
Micro-enterprises & Economic Development
Native American
Torts & Civil Litigation
Wills & Estates
Domestic Violence & Family Law
Bi-National Project on Family Violence
Domestic Violence & Family
Housing
El PASO TARGETS REAL ESTATE SCAMS
Federally Subsidized Housing
Home Foreclosures
Homeowners Threaten Suit Against San Antonio Developer
Housing Discrimination
Manufactured Homes
Private Landlord Tenant
Rights of Individuals with Disabilities
Tax Foreclosure Real Property
Individual Rights
Civil Rights
Criminal Justice
Disability Rights
Education
Foster Youth
Human Trafficking
Immigration
Juvenile Justice
LGBTQ Team
Special Education
Labor
Employment
Farm Worker
Jury Rules With Del Rio Daycare Whistleblower
Small Farmer Program
Public Benefits
Homeless
State & Public Benefits
Private Attorney Involvement
Community Justice Programs
Legal Clinics
Pro Se Divorce Clinics
Rio Grande Valley Community Justice Program
San Antonio Bar Association Community Justice Program
Social Justice Night Court
Victim's Rights
Sexual Assault Legal Assistance Network
Mission Statement: TRLA's mission is to promote the dignity, self-sufficiency, safety, and stability of low-income Texans.
Frequently Asked Questions about Legal Aid
- What is legal aid?
Legal aid is free or low-cost legal assistance for people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Legal aid organizations provide a variety of legal services, including advice, representation, and advocacy, to help low-income people resolve their civil legal problems.
- Who is eligible for legal aid?
Eligibility for legal aid varies depending on the organization. Generally, legal aid organizations serve people with incomes below a certain level, as determined by the federal poverty guidelines. Some legal aid organizations also have additional eligibility criteria, such as citizenship status or immigration status.
- What kind of cases does legal aid handle?
Legal aid organizations handle a wide range of civil legal problems, including:
* Housing* Education* Employment* Family law* Immigration* Public benefits* Consumer law* Health care* Disability rights
- How do I get legal aid?
To get legal aid, you can contact your local legal aid organization or a state or national legal aid hotline. Legal aid organizations typically have intake interviews to determine eligibility and assess the need for legal assistance.
- Is legal aid free?
Legal aid is generally free for eligible clients. However, some legal aid organizations may charge for certain services, such as filing fees or expert witness fees.
- What if I don’t qualify for legal aid?
If you do not qualify for legal aid, there are other options available to you, such as pro bono lawyers or legal self-help resources. Pro bono lawyers are lawyers who volunteer their time to provide free legal services to low-income people. Legal self-help resources can provide you with information and tools to help you represent yourself in court.
Here are some additional frequently asked questions about legal aid:
- What is the difference between legal aid and a public defender?
Legal aid organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to people with civil legal problems. Public defenders provide free legal assistance to people who are accused of crimes.
- Can I get legal aid for a criminal case?
No, legal aid organizations do not provide legal assistance for criminal cases. Criminal cases are handled by public defenders.
- How can I find a legal aid organization near me?
You can find a legal aid organization near you by visiting the website of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the national organization that funds legal aid programs. The LSC website has a directory of legal aid organizations by state and county.
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