2004 Snapshot

2004 Statistics

Mission

To provide pro bono legal services to low-income and indigent men and women of Harris County, and to promote volunteerism among the local legal community.

History

HVLP was founded in 1981 by the Houston Bar Association to respond to the low income population who were being turned away from legal aid because of funding or policy restrictions. Rather than cap the income guidelines at 125% and require documented citizenship, Houston Bar Foundation funding allowed HVLP to provide services for qualified applicants whose income was up to 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and whose status was undocumented. Those guidelines remain in effect today.

HVLP 2004 Statistics

• Screened 21,461 requests for assistance
• Conducted 1,689 interviews
• Referred out 979 cases to volunteer attorneys
• Closed 4,996 cases
• Volunteer attorneys time 19,705 hours
• Equivalent value of legal services $2,955,750 (calculated at $150 per hour)

Funding Sources

• Houston Bar Foundation
• Texas Equal Access to Justice Foundation
• Lone Star Legal Aid
• Ryan White Title 1
• Internal Revenue Service
• Texas Bar Foundation
• Exxon Mobil Corporation
• AIDS Walk
• Private Contributors

Types of Cases Taken

Any civil matter including Family Law (divorce, custody, support, etc.); Guardianships; Bankruptcies; Landlord/Tenant disputes; Consumer issues; Wills and Estate Planning; Tax Controversies; Deed Restrictions. HVLP does not handle criminal issues, traffic matters, or fee-generating cases.

Special Programs/Community Outreach

AIDS Project In 2004, HVLP provided services for 278 persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Will Clinics for Low-Income Seniors Provide estate and incapacity planning documents at community sites.

Legal Advice Clinics Outreach at community centers on the first Saturday morning of the month.

Low Income Tax Clinic Representation on tax controversies and community education about rights and responsibilities.

Family Law Clinics CLE training for non-family lawyers who accept a pro bono family law case.

Courthouse Information Booth Free assistance for pro se litigants at the Harris County Family Law Center.

Community Development Project Assist non-profit corporations with a wide range of legal matters.

Deed Restrictions Project In 2004, assisted four low-income neighborhoods.

Children’s Permanency Project Collaboration with CPS to establish legal relationship between children and caretakers.

Pro Bono Bankruptcy Program In 2004, HVLP provided services for 200 persons on bankruptcy matters