Houston, TX

HOUSTON VOLUNTEER LAWYERS PROGRAM INC

EIN 76-0090652

Justice, Rights & Public Safety Legal Aid & Civil Rights Low-income Veterans & military families Immigrants & refugees

Mission

Promoting access to justice for individuals in the Houston area by assisting those who cannot afford legal representation in civil matters.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

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About HOUSTON VOLUNTEER LAWYERS PROGRAM INC

Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program, Inc. (HVL) is the pro bono legal aid arm of the Houston Bar Association and the largest provider of volunteer-based civil legal services in Harris County. Founded in 1981, HVL connects low-income residents with volunteer attorneys and also operates an online intake portal (LegalHelpHouston) to screen and route eligible cases.

The organization focuses on non-criminal civil matters including family law, housing, wills and probate, veterans’ issues, tax matters, and related areas, and supplements pro bono placements with staff attorneys who mentor volunteers. HVL remains active and visible in the community — running initiatives such as a Summer of Service (July 2026) and publishing client- and program-focused updates (June–July 2026) that address case placement challenges and practice-area guidance.

HVL publishes audited financial statements and Form 990 filings and works closely with the Houston Bar Association and Houston Bar Foundation to coordinate pro bono recruitment, training, and recognition programs. The program mobilizes thousands of private attorneys each year to expand access to justice for low-income Houstonians.

Notable achievements

Largest pro bono legal provider in Harris County

HVL has established itself as the primary coordinator of volunteer civil legal services in the Houston region, mobilizing thousands of private attorneys annually to provide free representation, consultations, and clinic services to low-income residents.

Decades-long sustained impact

Founded in 1981, the organization has provided continuous pro bono legal services for 40+ years, developing stable volunteer networks, intake systems, and partnerships with local courts and legal institutions.

Pro Bono Awards and partner initiatives

HVL organizes and participates in formal pro bono recognition programs (including Equal Access to Justice Champion designations) that incentivize law firms and corporate legal departments to expand sustained pro bono commitments in the region.

At a glance

Total assets: $4.1M
Annual revenue: $4.4M
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN: 76-0090652
Location: Houston, TX
Website: makejusticehappen.org
On Mahalo since: September 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Four-star/strong accountability profile and transparency practices on national charity evaluation platforms; publicly posts audited financial statements and recent Form 990s.

Longstanding service designation as the Houston Bar Association’s pro bono program and a named resource for the Southern District of Texas and other local legal stakeholder networks.

Regular partner and participant in Houston Bar Foundation and State Bar of Texas pro bono awards and recognition programs that highlight volunteer excellence and institutional pro bono leadership.

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