Local bar associations, law schools, attorneys, and legal aid organizations across the state are providing free civil legal assistance to veterans November 6-12 for Texas Veterans Legal Aid Week.
Texas has the second-highest population of veterans in the nation, and the Department of Veterans Affairs reports that legal issues account for five of the top 10 unmet needs of homeless veterans, according to the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, which is coordinating the statewide effort.
So far this year, the foundation has provided nearly $2 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that provide free legal help to veterans and the 84th Legislature earmarked $3 million in funding for legal services for veterans and their families.
Thanks to the funding, legal aid organizations and pro bono lawyers provide legal representation to veterans with civil legal problems including denial of medical care, problems receiving benefits, issues related to disabilities, and family law matters arising from deployment.
During Texas Veterans Legal Aid Week in 2015, close to 1,270 veterans received free legal assistance, and throughout the entire year, more than 8,000 Texas veterans were helped.
The Dallas and Houston Bar associations are hosting legal clinics throughout the week. For a full list of events across the state, go to texaslawhelp.org/veterans-portal.