Legal Aid Society of Lubbock

The people here are great and offer good legal advice for free as well as free representation if you qualify for help. I've had a good experience here so far. They could definitely use an electronic system of some sort though to make things smoother for all involved.

Very Disappointed. To be fair, I originally contacted them awhile back as I was referred to this service by The American Cancer Society. The first time through they were respectful, and they went through screening process and determined they could NOT assist me on civil issues I was looking to seek counsel for. They told me at that time, their primary focus was on helping Texans that were eligible to secure SSI benefits. I had no issue whatsoever with this, and thanked them, reaching out to the Texas Bar for previous needs. My recent encounter was disheartening and I felt disrespected. I have applied for SSI benefits over 16mos ago, and have done so by myself to date. (Aside from initial app that was completed by state employee) This has proved to be much more challenging than expected. I recalled my original screening, and I am now at the point of needing assistance solely for SSI benefits and felt I would be right in their wheelhouse. I called promptly at 9am, and was told that they were already at maximum capacity and did not have anyone available to speak with, but they would call me right back. I waited until 11:30am. I had not received a call, so I called them back. I explained I had originally called at 9am, and had not received a callback. The receptionist was short with me and said "oh yeah, is this "My Full Name.?" I confirmed. She said "we can't help you do to a conflict of interest." Obviously, I was taken back. I asked if she could provide me details. She repeated the same phrase. I said I was told previously that y'all help primarily with SSI disability benefits and I don't understand what possible conflict there could be. Again, she repeated the same phrase and it was highly insulting to my intelligence, and the tone in her voice was apathetic and impatient. I just felt this was very unprofessional and left me highly confused. Even if their was a legitimate conflict, I strongly feel that I should have received a call back from screening as promised. At the least, I felt an attorney or someone more qualified than receptionist could have returned my call and explained things in some detail. Even if they could only provide same quote regarding "conflict of interest." They definitely could have explained why that was the most detail they could offer me. I think programs such as this, potentially help many people and it's difficult to criticize such programs. But at the end of the day, I was nothing but courteous and patient. I would expect that the same professionalism to be reciprocated. If I am wrong, or if my ignorance is to blame, I will gladly come back and edit my rating to some degree.

The Legal Aid Society of Lubbock is a tremendous asset to the community. Even if you never find yourself needing their services you can enjoy their events and fundraisers. Enjoy a day at the annual duck derby or participate in their golf tournament or public good luncheon.

They won't let you do an application at home to submit. You have to get one. Stay and fill it out, submit it and wait to see if they can help. A smidgen inconvenient.