About Us

Promoting Equal Access to Justice

Mission Statement

The mission of Houston Volunteer Lawyer Program is to provide pro bono legal services to low-income men and women of Harris County and to promote volunteerism among the legal community.

History

Founded in 1981 by the Houston Bar Association, HVLP has delivered free legal services to low-income resident of Harris County for almost a quarter of a century by linking qualified applicants with attorneys volunteering their time on a pro bono basis. Volunteer attorneys assist clients who meet HVLP’s eligibility standards and who have been screened and interviewed by HVLP staff members on their legal issues. Over 4,000 Harris County attorneys serve as HVLP volunteers, each making a difference in the lives of low-income clients, their families and communities.

HVLP became an independent 501©(3) corporation in 1987 and receives generous support from the Houston Bar Foundation, the Texas Bar Foundation, Texas Access to Justice Foundation, Lone Star Legal AID, Ryan White Title I, City of Houston, Hamman Foundation, Houston Endowment, as well as private contributors.

HVLP 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 or non-US citizens. Through collaborative efforts with other legal service providers and social service agencies, HVLP seeks to be an agent of change in the community, delivering efficient, effective legal services to Houston’s low-income residents.