Texas RioGrande Legal Aid

➡️ Today, TRLA held a press conference to announce a lawsuit against Cross River Bank, who are suing El Paso grandmother and retiree Lorena Vargas for over $100,000 for solar panels that are not on her home and she did not ask for.

🔅 Typically, a solar panel scam involves a door-to-door salesman that pressures homeowners into signing a contract, promising impossible savings and tax credits.

This didn't happen with Ms. Vargas. She never spoke to a salesperson. She never saw or signed a contract. Instead, she was served a lawsuit for a debt she did not owe, sending her into a panic about how she could afford a lawsuit.

Thankfully, Ms. Vargas reached out to Legal Aid.

Read more here: https://f.mtr.cool/lyprfvnppy

🎒 Last month, TRLA welcomed six law students as Spring Break clerks at our El Paso, San Antonio, and Victoria offices! One of the clerks, Victoria Villegas, described her experience.

➡️ “I left the trip with a deep appreciation for legal aid and the critical role it plays in underserved communities. What inspired me most is that no legal need or cause is too small or too insignificant for TRLA to take on. Thanks to the attorneys, who were generous with their time and insight, I gained a clearer understanding of both the rewards and challenges of this work. I learned what it means to triage community needs while maintaining personal well-being, and the level of dedication, compassion, and skill required to be an effective advocate. Above all, I came to appreciate the uniqueness of El Paso and how public interest law can look different in each community.
I am incredibly grateful for my time with TRLA—for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work and to learn from such dedicated attorneys.”

⭐ Thank you for all your hard work!

One week away! We invite you to join us for a special screening of An Army of Women on Tuesday, April 21st.

This impactful documentary follows three survivors in Austin fighting for their rights.

Tickets are available at https://trla.me/AAW

Every purchase supports TRLA's 100% free legal services for low-income Texans. We hope to see you there!

We'd like to invite you to join TRLA for a special fundraiser screening of An Army of Women (2024) at Alamo Drafthouse Village on Tuesday, April 21st.

We'll be watching this impactful Austin-based documentary in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which happens every April.

🔗 Tickets are on sale now at trla.me/AAW — all profits from this event will support TRLA's 100% free legal services for people in need.

📣We invite you to join LAWtería 2026, Thursday evening, May 7, via Zoom!

This fun game night, hosted by the Hispanic Issues Section of the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, will raise funds for the Stand with Santos campaign. 2026 will again feature prominent leaders committed to access to justice, intermission entertainment, and fabulous door prizes!

You can participate by:
💌 Becoming a sponsor
☺️ Purchasing an electronic LAWtería tabla or card ($50 per card), or
🤝 Donating door prizes or making a donation to the event

Find more information at: http://www.teajf.org/donate/LawTeria.aspx

Join us for a lively night of LAWtería—our legal twist on the popular lotería game—on Thursday, May 7!

This virtual fundraiser will feature special guest callers, door prizes and entertainment.

All proceeds support Texas legal aid programs and the Stand With Santos campaign.

Get your LAWteria card and learn more at: http://www.teajf.org/donate/LawTeria.aspx.