Document Type
Report
Publication Date
4-2021
Abstract
This report presents the findings of a legal needs assessment and oral history project that was simultaneously undertaken from August 2019 to September 2020 in the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas. The purpose of the research is to provide a detailed discussion about access to legal information and to document the pertinent legal needs in the Rio Grande Valley. The project documented respondents’ perceptions of the area’s legal assets and needs.
The report captured information from more than 600 individuals who participated in surveys, focus groups, and interviews to create an overview of the historic legal-resource environment that exists for residents of the region. This study found that information and services related to immigration, family, and property law are major needs in the area. It also found that the cultural and political context of the region, particularly as it relates to immigration status, are significant obstacles to accessing information and assistance from the legal system. In addition, individuals who did not have training in legal education expressed little to no knowledge of free online resources available to navigate legal matters. Based on the findings, the recommendations are the following:
- Expand resources to existing, local organizations and community workers.
- Determine how local legal education and awareness can assist in meeting gaps.
- Develop accessible online directories of existing legal services in the region.
- Introduce new service models to offer free and affordable legal services.
- Strategize statewide collaboration to deliver legal services in the region.
The transition of the Rio Grande Valley from a primarily agricultural community to one of the fastestgrowing metropolitan areas in the state makes it an ideal site to study the process of developing Latinx lawyers and the respective legal needs of Latinxs that live in both rural, micropolitan, and metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs).
An oral history component also highlighted the importance of investing in educational resources to build stronger infrastructure that addresses the existing needs. It captures the historic legal-resource desert that exists for rural residents of the Rio Grande Valley.
First Page
1
Last Page
49
Num Pages
49
Publisher
Texas A&M University
Notes
Texas A&M University T3 Grants
Recommended Citation
Amber Baylor, Nandita Chaudhuri, Luz E. Herrera & Felipe Hinojosa,
Legal Services Needs Assessment for Rio Grande Valley Residents in Texas: A Comprehensive T3 Report,
1
(2021).
Available at:
https://scholarship.law.tamu.edu/facscholar/2165
File Type
Included in
Latin American History Commons, Legal Education Commons, Legal History Commons, Legal Profession Commons, Oral History Commons, United States History Commons
