Pro Bono and Free Legal Assistance for Artists, Musicians, Non-profits in Texas
What Does Pro Bono Legal Services Mean?
Pro Bono is typically equated with “free legal services” provided to those who cannot afford an attorney. There are numerous organizations across all 50 states that help individuals, families, and non-profit organizations by providing free or reduced cost legal services.
Are there Pro Bono Legal Services available for Artists, Musicians, Inventors, Creators?
Yes! There are many organizations that work with qualified and experienced attorneys to provide free or reduced cost legal services for trademark, copyright, patent and other intellectual property issues.
Who Qualifies for Pro Bono/Free/Reduced Cost Legal Services?
While qualifications can vary between organizations, the standard for an artist/musician/singer/songwriter/writer/inventor/individual to qualify for free/Pro Bono legal services is for the total household income to be less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.
If a non-profit has an annual operating budget of less than $200,000.00, the non-profit may qualify for free or reduced cost legal services.
Remember, you will need to check with each organization to determine if you meet their financial qualifications.
Where can I apply for free/Pro Bono Legal services for artists/creatives/inventors in Texas?
Here’s a list of potential free/Pro Bono legal service providers in Texas for artists/musicians/singers/songwriters/inventors/arts businesses/non-profits:
Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts - Texas-wide program providing free or reduced cost legal and accounting services to artists and art nonprofits.
CBAR – Statewide program providing free legal help to eligible nonprofit groups.
Baylor Law School Intellectual Property Clinic
Texas A&M Law School Clinic - Copyright/Entertainment
Texas A&M Law School Clinic – Trademark
Texas A&M Law School Clinic - Patent
University of Houston Law Center - Entertainment Law Clinic
Dallas Bar Association Attorney Referral Service
Dallas County Bar Free Legal Advice Program
Tarrant County Bar Free Legal Advice Program
NorthWest Texas Legal Aid a nonprofit organization that provides free civil legal help to low-income residents in 114 Texas counties throughout North and West Texas
