Lawyers in Austin, TX

Finding a lawyer in Austin

Austin is the capital of Texas and the seat of Travis County, so it's home to both state government offices and the Travis County court system that handles local civil and criminal cases. The city's fast-growing tech and business sectors sit alongside a long-established legal community, giving residents a wide range of firms to choose from — from firms built around startups and venture-backed companies to traditional practices handling family and injury matters.

Practice areas people search for in Austin

Business and employment lawyers in Austin serve the city's growing technology and startup scene, handling contracts, disputes and workplace issues. Personal injury and car accident attorneys work with claims from the area's congested highways and rapidly growing suburbs. Family and divorce lawyers handle custody, support and property matters in Travis County family courts. Criminal defense and DUI attorneys represent clients in Travis County criminal courts. Real estate lawyers assist with the city's active property market, including the fast pace of residential and commercial development, and criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing charges in Travis County. Estate planning attorneys help residents prepare wills and manage probate. Intellectual property lawyers are also in demand given Austin's concentration of tech companies and startups protecting software, branding and inventions, and workers' compensation lawyers help employees injured on the job across the metro area.

How to choose a lawyer in Austin

Confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas, which keeps a public record you can check before hiring. Ask about their experience with your specific type of case and whether they've worked in Travis County courts, since local procedures can differ from other parts of Texas. If your matter involves a startup or technology company, ask directly about the lawyer's experience with that kind of business. Get clarity on fees — contingency, hourly or flat rate — in writing before you commit to anything. At the first consultation, ask who will be handling your case directly and how you'll be kept updated as it progresses.

Free and low-cost help

Legal aid organizations and lawyer referral services in the Austin area help residents who meet income requirements find affordable representation. Law school clinics nearby offer free consultations for certain case types, often through supervised student programs. For small disputes, Texas small claims procedures allow people to represent themselves in court without a lawyer.

Lawyers in Texas · Nearby: lawyers in San Antonio

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed Texas attorney about your situation.