NEWS
The Houston Bar Association (713) 759-1133
1111 Bagby St., FLB 200, Houston, Texas 77002 Fax 713-759-1710 www.hba.org
Contacts:
Tara Shockley, HBA communications director, ; 713-759-1133 office or 713-553-9164 cell
Alistair Dawson, HBA president, adawson @beckredden.com; 713-951-6225 office or 713-705-6850 cell
Benny Agosto, HVL chair, ; 281-389-6506 cell
Houston Bar Association Sets Up LegalLine, Legal Clinics
For Texans Impacted By Hurricane Harvey
(Houston – August 31, 2017)The Houston Bar Association has expanded its LegalLine to assist those impacted by Hurricane Harvey and has set up a toll free number for Texas residents outside the Houston area. Beginning Tuesday, September 5 through Friday, September 29, the HBA's LegalLine will have volunteer attorneys answering calls from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Extended LegalLine hours will be available from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6 and Wednesday, September 20. The public can call 713-759-1133 or toll free at 1-866-959-1133 and speak to volunteer attorneys who will answer their questions, provide brief legal advice and refer them to appropriate resources for help. The attorneys will be able to answer questions on insurance, landlord/issues, contracts, lost documents, FEMA matters and other disaster-related topics.
The HBA's Houston Volunteer Lawyers (HVL) is working with other local and state legal services providers to coordinate legal aid for low-income individuals affected by the storm.HVL will set up legal advice clinics to meet the needs of the community in various locations across the city and also will visit area shelters to provide information about how to access legal services and to answer questions.
The Veterans Legal Advice Clinic on Friday, September 1, has been opened to victims of Hurricane Harvey, in addition to veterans. The clinic will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe Blvd., 77030, first floor near the emergency room entrance. No appointment necessary.
Starting on September 1, HVL will be working with Lone Star Legal Aid to staff booths at some of the shelters housing those who have been displaced as a result of the storm. There will be booths initially at the George R. Brown Convention Center and NRG Stadium. Booths will be expanded to additional shelters next week. Lawyers at these locations will address legal questions for those who are housed at the shelter temporarily.
For updated information on legal aid and other services, visit www.makejusticehappen.org/Harvey, call 713-228-0732 or 713-759-1133.
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The Houston Bar Association, with nearly 12,000 members, is the nation’s fifth-largest metropolitan bar association. The HBA provides professional development, education, and service programs for the legal profession and the community.