Office of Business Opportunity
Free Legal Guidance for Small Businesses
The Houston Small Business Legal Consultation Project (HSBLC) provides free, limited-scope legal guidance to eligible small businesses, self-employed entrepreneurs, and nonprofits.
This program connects businesses with Volunteer Attorneys from reputable law firms across the United States who provide one-time consultations on discrete, business-related legal questions.
Who is eligible?
- Small businesses
- Self-employed entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits
What Types of Issues Can We Assist With?
Volunteer Attorneys may provide guidance related to:
- Business formation and structure
- Contracts
- Commercial leases
- Employment matters
- Tax questions (non-litigation)
- Intellectual property
- General business legal questions
- Financial assistance program guidance
What This Program Does NOT Assist With
This program does not provide assistance with:
- Current or pending lawsuits
- Litigation or disputes between parties
- Court representation
- Criminal matters
- Personal legal issues unrelated to business
- Ongoing legal representation
If a request involves litigation or a dispute currently in court, applicants should be directed to the Houston Bar Association or a private attorney.
How to Request Assistance
Step 1: Complete the Online Legal Resources Request Form
All requests must be submitted through our online Legal Resources Questionnaire
After submission, applicants will receive a confirmation email with a confirmation number.
Step 2: Submit Supporting Documents (If Applicable)
If applicants have documents related to their legal issue (contracts, notices, lease agreements, letters, etc.), they should:
- Email documents to: obolegalservices@houstontx.gov
- Include their confirmation number in the subject line
Example subject line:
HSBLC Documents – Confirmation #12345
Documents will not be reviewed without a confirmation number.
What Happens Next?
- Requests are screened for eligibility and program fit
- If accepted, requests are submitted to participating legal partners
- If matched, a Volunteer Attorney will contact the applicant directly
- Not all requests can be matched due to volunteer availability
This program provides limited-scope consultation only and does not guarantee representation.
Important Notice
By submitting a request, applicants acknowledge that:
- This is not ongoing legal representation
- Services are limited to consultation only
- Volunteer Attorneys may decline participation if conflicts exist
Contact OBO
611 Walker Street, Seventh Floor
Houston, TX 77002
OBO Director
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