The Houston Bar Association’s volunteer lawyer service received a $125,000 boost for its veterans legal aid program from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.
Houston Volunteer Lawyers’ Veterans Legal Initiative, which started in 2008, serves more than 2,300 veterans and spouses of deceased veterans annually, helping them in all areas of civil law.
Volunteer attorneys through the Houston Bar Association program provide free legal advice at weekly clinics at the Michael DeBakey VA Hospital and continued pro bono representation when necessary.
The recent grant will allow Houston Volunteer Lawyers to dedicate two full-time staff attorneys—both also U.S. Army veterans—to the project as well as provide limited funds to veterans who face some court-related fees that cannot be waived in pro bono cases.
“The Texas Veterans Commission recognizes the incredible need for veterans legal services in Houston,” Houston Bar Association President Neil Kelly said in a statement, “and this sizable grant helps us meet those needs and achieve our mission to provide equal access to justice. Veterans served our country with honor, and we are honored to provide them legal service.”