FAQs

TLD is a project of the Austin Community Law Center, a 501c3 law firm that provides low cost services. ACLC created TDL to expand low-cost services into areas of Texas that have less access to low-cost services.

We charge lower hourly rates than most private attorneys, often on a sliding scale based on income. We also offer flexible options so you can control costs based on the level of help you need.

We are not a free legal aid organization. You can visit TexasLawHelp.org to find lists of free legal aid organizations in your area. We are designed for people who fall between free services and full-price law firms, and we’re happy to help if our model is a good fit.

You can schedule an appointment online. We’ll gather some initial information and connect you with the right person to help you evaluate your options and next steps.

No. All of our appointments are conducted live, but remotely—by Zoom or phone—so you can get help without travel or time off work.

Not always. Many legal issues can be handled through advice, negotiation, or document preparation. If court representation is needed, we can discuss options, but in-person court appearances may involve additional costs to cover travel and time.

Yes. Many of our clients use us to prepare documents, understand their rights, and plan strategy—while representing themselves in court. This is one of the main ways we make legal help more affordable.

Limited scope representation, sometimes called “Law à la carte,” means you can hire us for specific parts of your case instead of full representation. For example, we can draft documents, review paperwork, or coach you through next steps—while you handle the rest.

You control the work we do. By only paying for the help you actually need—and even setting a “not to exceed” budget—you can significantly reduce legal costs while still getting professional guidance.

Yes. Because our services are primarily remote, we can assist clients across Texas in many types of cases.

That’s okay. We can help identify your legal issue during your appointment and recommend next steps—even if that means referring you elsewhere.

We offer lower hourly rates. Whether you need full representation or just targeted help, our model is designed to meet you where you are and make legal services more accessible.