COVID-19 Pandemic Resources
Court Guidance
Supreme Court of Texas Rule Changes
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Final Rules Related to Electronic Participation in Court Proceedings — Issued 1/27/2023
Approves new Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 21d and 500.10 and amendments to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 21, 500.2, 501.4, and 505.1.
Supreme Court of Texas current emergency orders
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Emergency Order Regarding the Texas Eviction Diversion Program — Issued 2/28/2023
Renews 58th Emergency Order that relates to the Texas Eviction Diversion Program and requirements for evictions related to nonpayment of rent.
Free Lawyer Resources and Webinars
The State Bar offers several hours of free CLE on the TexasBarCLE website, including:
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Just Ask: How We Must Stop Minding Our Own Business in the Legal World (Suicide & Depression Prevention Essentials) — MCLE Credit: 1 hour ethics. Accreditation for this course expires on April 30, 2023. You must complete the course and report your hours prior to this date to receive credit. Go here to watch the course.
For attorneys in financial need who require additional CLE, TexasBarCLE scholarships are available for online classes. Remember, in Texas it is permissible for lawyers to complete all 15 hours of required continuing legal education through online learning.
Well-being Resources
Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program professionals created a web page of wellness resources to assist attorneys, law students, and judges. Review the resources available at texasbar.com/TLAPSupportToolbox.
Free Legal Resources for the Public
The State Bar is proud to join in partnership with legal aid, access to justice, and volunteer organizations around the state to help Texans with civil legal problems resulting from the pandemic. Please see this page of legal resources: texasbar.com/covidhelp.
COVID-19 Pro Bono Efforts
Visit probonotexas.org/covid for information about COVID-19 volunteer opportunities with legal aid and pro bono providers across Texas, view pandemic-related pro bono resources, and learn more about the volunteer experience.
Emergency Legal Aid Fund
The Texas Access to Justice Foundation has created an emergency legal aid fund designed to support the civil legal needs of Texans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To learn more about the fund and donate, go here.
State and federal health resources
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is working closely with local, state, and federal partners in responding to COVID-19. Visit their website for more information.