Find a Lawyer in Houston
Browse vetted attorneys and law firms across Houston, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Katy, Pearland, and Greater Houston.
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Attorneys & Law Firms in Houston
Browse attorneys and law firms across Greater Houston. All listed professionals have been reviewed through our editorial process. Featured listings include established Houston advocates such as Kurt Arnold, Jason Itkin, Jill Hawkins, Simmons & Fletcher, Femi Ogunjumelo, Roshun Phipps, Andrew Sher, Bryan Means, Billy Robinett, Miguel Delgado, and Sutliff & Stout.
MyLegalWin selections are made through a documented research process. Read how selections work →
For First-Time Clients
How to Choose a Lawyer in Houston
If you've never hired an attorney before, the process can feel overwhelming. Here's what to look for, what to ask, and what to watch out for.
What to Look For
When evaluating an attorney in the Greater Houston area, focus on three things:
Experience with your type of case
A lawyer who handles commercial real estate may not be the right choice for a car accident or workers' compensation claim. Ask how many cases like yours they've handled in the past year and whether they routinely take cases to trial if a fair settlement isn't offered.
Years practicing in Texas
Texas state laws, procedural deadlines, and local Harris County court rules differ significantly from other states. An attorney licensed in Texas who regularly practices in Houston courts will know the local procedures, judges, and opposing counsel.
A clean disciplinary record
You can check any Texas attorney's disciplinary history through the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com. Look for any history of suspensions, reprimands, or disciplinary actions.
Questions to Ask in a Consultation
Most Houston attorneys offer a free initial consultation for personal injury and workers' compensation cases, and initial consultations for other matters. Use it to ask:
- 1.How many cases like mine have you handled in the last year?
- 2.What was the outcome of your most recent case like mine?
- 3.Will you be handling my case personally, or will it be passed to an associate or paralegal?
- 4.What’s your fee structure — contingency, hourly, or flat fee? What percentage or rate?
- 5.What costs will I be responsible for even if we win (filing fees, expert witnesses, court costs)?
- 6.How long do you expect my case to take?
- 7.What’s the likelihood of settling vs. going to trial?
How Legal Fees Work
Contingency fee
The attorney gets paid a percentage of your recovery only if you win. Common in personal injury and workers' compensation cases. Typical range in Texas: 33% if the case settles before trial, 40% if it goes to trial. You may still be responsible for case costs (filing fees, medical record copies, expert witnesses) regardless of outcome \u2014 ask which costs are separate from the fee.
Hourly rate
You pay for the attorney's time, usually billed in 6-minute or 15-minute increments. Common in family law, business disputes, and complex civil matters. In Houston, hourly rates typically range from $250 to $500 per hour depending on attorney experience. Ask for the hourly rate for the attorney AND for any paralegals or associates who will work on your case, and request a total cost estimate.
Flat fee
One set price for the entire matter. Common for simple wills, uncontested divorces, and specific criminal defense matters (such as a first-offense DWI). In Houston, a first-offense DWI flat fee typically ranges from $2,500 to $7,500, while basic estate planning packages range from $500 to $2,500. Ask what services are included and what would trigger additional fees.
Red Flags
Guaranteed outcomes
No attorney can guarantee a specific result. If someone promises you'll win or guarantees a specific settlement dollar amount, walk away.
Pressure to sign immediately
A reputable attorney will give you time to read and understand the representation agreement. High-pressure sales tactics indicate a high-volume settlement mill, not quality legal representation.
Won't put fees in writing
Every fee arrangement should be clearly detailed in a written representation agreement. If it's not in writing, do not proceed.
Can't explain the process
A good lawyer should be able to explain, in plain language, what happens next, how long the case will take, and what to expect at each stage.
Verify an Attorney's License
Before hiring any attorney in Texas, verify their license and disciplinary history through the State Bar of Texas attorney search at texasbar.com. Search by name or bar number to confirm active licensure and review any public disciplinary record.
Find a Lawyer
Common Legal Needs in Houston
Browse attorneys by practice area. Each section explains what an attorney in this field does, what to expect, and how long you have to file under Texas law.
Personal Injury
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, 18-wheeler accident, slip and fall, or plant/worksite incident, a personal injury attorney can help you recover medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.
What to expect
Your attorney will investigate the accident, gather medical evidence and accident reports, negotiate with the insurance carrier, and file a lawsuit in Harris County district court if the insurer refuses to pay a fair settlement.
How long you have to file
Texas generally applies a two-year limitations period to personal-injury actions under Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 16.003. Health-care liability, government, minor, and other claims can follow different rules or notice requirements.
How fees work
Fees vary by lawyer, matter, and agreement. Ask whether billing is contingency, hourly, flat-fee, retainer, statutory, or another structure, and how case costs are handled.
Criminal Defense
If you’ve been charged with a crime — from a DWI to a major felony — a criminal defense attorney protects your constitutional rights, challenges police evidence, and negotiates with prosecutors or represents you at trial.
What to expect
Your attorney will review arrest details, file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, negotiate plea options, and defend you in court. In Harris County, criminal cases are heard in the Harris County Criminal Courts at Law or Criminal District Courts.
How long you have to file
There is no deadline for you to hire counsel — but hiring a lawyer immediately gives them time to preserve video evidence, interview witnesses, and represent you at bail hearings.
How fees work
Fees vary by lawyer, matter, and agreement. Ask whether billing is contingency, hourly, flat-fee, retainer, statutory, or another structure, and how case costs are handled.
Workers’ Compensation
If you were injured on the job in Texas, a workers’ compensation attorney helps you navigate injury benefits, appeal denied claims, and secure medical coverage and wage replacement.
What to expect
Texas does not require all private employers to carry workers’ compensation (“non-subscribers”). If your employer carries state workers’ comp, your attorney will represent you before the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). If your employer is a non-subscriber, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against your employer for negligence.
How long you have to file
Texas workers' compensation claims use administrative notice and filing requirements that differ from ordinary civil statutes of limitation. Confirm the current Division of Workers' Compensation rules and deadlines for the specific claim.
How fees work
Fees vary by lawyer, matter, and agreement. Ask whether billing is contingency, hourly, flat-fee, retainer, statutory, or another structure, and how case costs are handled.
Business Law
If you are starting a business, negotiating commercial contracts, resolving shareholder disputes, or protecting trade secrets, a business attorney safeguards your commercial interests.
What to expect
For corporate formation, your attorney will draft LLC operating agreements, articles of incorporation, and employment contracts. For commercial litigation, your attorney will negotiate disputes, send demand letters, or file suit in Harris County district courts.
How long you have to file
Texas uses different limitations periods depending on the cause of action. Many contract and fraud claims use a four-year period, but accrual and special statutes can change the deadline.
How fees work
Fees vary by lawyer, matter, and agreement. Ask whether billing is contingency, hourly, flat-fee, retainer, statutory, or another structure, and how case costs are handled.
Family Law & Divorce
Note: Our Houston directory is actively expanding in this practice area.
If you are going through a divorce, child custody disagreement, or child support modification, a family law attorney guides you through court proceedings and protects your parental and financial rights.
What to expect
Texas is a community property state. Assets and debts acquired during marriage are divided in a “just and right” manner. Your attorney will represent you in the Harris County Family District Courts to negotiate property division, parenting plans, and support agreements.
How long you have to file
You must reside in Texas for at least 6 months and in Harris County for at least 90 days before filing for divorce. Texas requires a 60-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized.
How fees work
Fees vary by lawyer, matter, and agreement. Ask whether billing is contingency, hourly, flat-fee, retainer, statutory, or another structure, and how case costs are handled.
Estate Planning & Probate
Note: Our Houston directory is actively expanding in this practice area.
If you need to draft a will, set up a trust, establish power of attorney, or navigate probate after losing a family member, an estate planning attorney helps structure your estate and carry out final wishes.
What to expect
For estate planning, your lawyer will draft legally binding documents tailored to your family and financial goals. For probate, your lawyer will file the will in Harris County Probate Courts, inventory assets, pay estate debts, and distribute assets to beneficiaries.
How long you have to file
Texas probate deadlines can depend on the estate, the instrument, and procedural posture. A will generally should be offered for probate promptly, and special rules can apply after four years.
How fees work
Fees vary by lawyer, matter, and agreement. Ask whether billing is contingency, hourly, flat-fee, retainer, statutory, or another structure, and how case costs are handled.
Texas Law
What to Know About Texas Law
These core legal rules govern civil and criminal matters across Houston and all of Texas.
Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations sets a filing deadline, but accrual, notice, tolling, and repose rules can change the date for a specific claim.
| Type of Case | Texas Deadline |
|---|---|
| Personal injury (car accidents, slip & fall) | 2 years from date of injury |
| Medical malpractice | Generally 2 years under CPRC § 74.251; 10-year repose |
| Property damage | 2 years from date of damage |
| Breach of written contract | 4 years from breach date |
| Breach of oral contract | 4 years from breach date |
| Fraud | 4 years from discovery date |
| Wrongful death | 2 years from date of death |
| Workers’ compensation claim (DWC) | 1 year (must report to employer within 30 days) |
Damage Caps
Texas law imposes statutory caps on specific types of legal recovery:
Medical malpractice
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 74.301 caps noneconomic damages at $250,000 per claimant against all physicians and individual health-care providers collectively. A separate $250,000 limit can apply to each health-care institution, with no more than two institutional limits; the statutory structure can therefore produce a maximum of $750,000 in noneconomic damages across those categories. Economic damages are not capped by § 74.301.
General personal injury
No damage caps exist for general personal injury cases (such as auto accidents or premise liability).
Punitive (exemplary) damages
Capped at the greater of $200,000 OR two times economic damages plus up to $750,000 in non-economic damages.
Community Property
Texas is one of nine community property states. Under Texas law:
- •Property and debts acquired by either spouse during marriage belong equally to both spouses (“community property”).
- •Property owned prior to marriage, or acquired during marriage by gift or inheritance, remains “separate property”.
- •In a divorce, community property is divided by judges in a “just and right” manner based on equity, not automatically an exact 50/50 split.
At-Fault Auto Insurance
Texas operates under an \u201cat-fault\u201d insurance system for motor vehicle collisions. The driver responsible for causing the crash is financially liable for medical expenses, vehicle damage, and resulting losses. Crash victims file claims directly against the at-fault driver's insurance provider.
Court System
Where Your Case Will Be Heard in Houston
Harris County District Courts
Civil cases (personal injury, contract claims, real estate litigation): Harris County Civil District Courts (24 civil courts). Located at the Harris County Civil Courthouse, 201 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77002.
Criminal cases (misdemeanors & felonies): Harris County Criminal Courts at Law (16 courts) and Criminal District Courts (23 courts). Located at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center, 1201 Franklin St., Houston, TX 77002.
Family law (divorce, custody, child support): Harris County Family District Courts (11 family courts). Located at the Harris County Civil Courthouse, 201 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77002.
Federal Cases
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas (Houston Division): Handles federal civil, maritime, and federal criminal cases. Located at the Bob Casey U.S. Courthouse, 515 Rusk Ave., Houston, TX 77002.
Southern District of Texas →Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
Houston Legal Resources
State Bar of Texas — Attorney Verification
Verify licenses and disciplinary history
Harris County District Courts
Official court directory and case portal
Houston Bar Association
Local lawyer referral and public legal information
U.S. District Court — Southern District of Texas
Houston federal court division
Texas Supreme Court
Statewide civil court of last resort (Austin)
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Statewide criminal court of last resort (Austin)
Coverage Area