Facing an eviction notice, a custody fight, or a benefits denial — and no money for a lawyer? In San Antonio, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. Several organizations provide genuinely free legal help to low-income families, and one of the biggest just opened a new San Antonio office.
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA): free civil legal help
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid is one of the largest legal aid nonprofits in Texas. It provides free legal services to low-income people across 68 counties — from El Paso to Corpus Christi — and served more than 15,000 clients last year. Bexar County is its busiest location.
TRLA handles civil cases (not criminal): family law and custody, evictions and foreclosures, consumer fraud, wills and estates, public benefits denials, and civil rights cases. They specialize in more than 45 practice areas, from Justice of the Peace court disputes all the way to federal court litigation.
New in 2026: TRLA opened a new in-person office in Northwest San Antonio on Console Road, near Wurzbach Road and I-10. After years of operating mostly virtually, walk-in access is back. The office is open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–noon and 1–5 p.m.
- Call: (833) 329-8752
- Online: trla.org
- Cost: free if you income-qualify
Be honest about your situation when you call — they can’t take every case, and they prioritize based on community need.
Facing eviction? Call Right to Counsel first
If you’ve received an eviction notice or court papers, don’t wait. The City of San Antonio partners with TRLA on a Right to Counsel program that provides a free attorney to households facing eviction.
- Call immediately: 210-212-3703
- This is the fastest lane to a lawyer when housing is on the line.
More free and low-cost legal help in San Antonio
- St. Mary’s University Center for Legal and Social Justice — law school clinic handling civil matters. Call (210) 431-2596.
- San Antonio Bar Association Community Justice Program — pro bono help with bankruptcy, consumer, employment, and estate planning issues. Call (210) 227-8822.
- 2-1-1 Texas — if you’re not sure where your issue fits, dial 2-1-1 and they’ll route you to the right legal resource.
What to say when you call
Have the basics ready: your name, household income, what the legal issue is, and any deadlines (court dates, notice periods). For eviction cases, mention your court date first — it’s the most time-sensitive detail. Ask directly: “Do I qualify for free help with this?”
FAQ
Is the legal help really free?
Yes — TRLA’s services are free for low-income clients, funded by state and federal grants. The Bar’s Community Justice Program and St. Mary’s clinic are pro bono (free) as well.
What kinds of cases do they take?
Civil cases: eviction and housing, family law and custody, consumer fraud, benefits denials, wills, bankruptcies. They do not handle criminal cases — those go through the public defender system.
What if I don’t qualify or they can’t take my case?
Ask for a referral when you call — legal aid offices routinely point people to the next-best option. The San Antonio Bar Association’s lawyer referral service can also connect you with attorneys who take payment plans.
Do I need to go in person?
Not necessarily. TRLA handled many cases virtually in recent years, though the new Console Road office restores in-person visits. Ask about phone or virtual appointments when you call.
