I am trying to recover a few thousand dollars and need help from a lawyer, but I’m worried that I’ll spend all the money I may recover just to hire the lawyer. I tried free legal aid, and they said my income is too high to receive free help. Are there any other options for me?

This problem is all too common. You have a legitimate need for a lawyer. The money you are trying to recovery is important, but the legal fees could eat up your entire recovery.

Many in this situation look to options for free legal aid, although they are often disappointed to find out that they may not qualify for assistance. The income level to qualify for most legal aid programs is so low (below 125% of the federal poverty level in most cases) that many people find themselves unable to obtain free legal aid but without the money to hire a lawyer to help with basic legal problems.

People that find themselves in this situation may want to look for alternative options to speak with an attorney. Here are a few options in Central Texas:

• Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas partners with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid to hold free advice clinics every Monday and Wednesday night at local middle schools. Advice is given only on civil, not criminal, matters. Check out the following website for more specific information: www.vlsoct.org/help/freelegaladvice.htm.

• The Austin Young Lawyers Association and Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas sponsor the LegalLine program, which allows the public to call and speak with attorneys for free legal advice to simple questions. The LegalLine (512/472-8303) is open for calls on the first Tuesday of each month between 5:30 and 7:30pm.

• The Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas is a nonprofit, public-service organization that specializes in matching people with legal problems with lawyers who can help them. Call LRS (512/472-8303) and give a brief explanation of your situation, and LRS will refer you to a lawyer in your area who has indicated an interest in handling your issue. You will receive an initial 30-minute consultation with the lawyer for $20, and then decide if you want to hire that attorney.

This article appears in March 4 • 2011.

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