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Navigating the legal system is difficult enough, but imagine how complex and overwhelming it can be if you are maneuvering through it on your own without the help of experienced and knowledgeable legal counsel. Sadly, according the Self-Represented Litigant Network, a coalition of legal and non-legal professionals who seek to close the justice gap and reform the justice system, an estimated 3 out of 5 people involved in civil matters go to court without an attorney. We at the Harris County Law Library try to do our part by promoting open and equal access to justice for all and providing access to relevant, current, and accurate legal information. If you are a regular follower of our blog, you know that we sing the praises of TexasLawHelp.org, which has a wealth of information for self-represented litigants. However, we would also like our readers to be aware of some other websites that have a good selection of legal resources and lots of good legal information.
State Bar of Texas
On the webpage for the State Bar’s Legal Access Division, users can find links to a referral directory for legal services available to low-income Texans, a legal aid directory, a lawyer referral service, and Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans, a State Bar program for military veterans. The State Bar also has available many free legal resources and pamphlets that cover a wide array of topics, such as the basics of the legal system, family law, immigration, and many more. Visitors can either download the pamphlet or request copies from the State Bar. Pamphlets are also available in Spanish.
The People’s Lawyer
Richard Alderman, author of Know Your Rights! and professor emeritus at the University of Houston Law Center, is known as “The People’s Lawyer,” and for good reason. Alderman is the force behind the popular website, The People’s Lawyer, which covers a wide array of legal topics from auto accidents to landlord/tenant law to small claims court. Users can find links to Texas consumer protection statutes and related federal consumer laws as well as links other useful websites relating to topics, such as lemon laws and product recalls, tax tips, and elder law. There is also an FAQ section with answers to common legal questions.
FindLaw
Another online resource for self-represented litigants looking for legal information is FindLaw, which is part of the Thomson Reuters family of businesses. FindLaw’s Learn About the Law section has informational articles about various topics including criminal law, employment law, family law, consumer protection, and so much more. Texas users can find links to Texas-specific laws and even some city-specific information, too. There are blog posts and podcasts about current legal issues that users may find interesting as well.