Texas Legal Services Center installs first legal kiosk in Travis County facility
- communications898
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Statewide initiative launched in 2023 now includes 45 kiosks expanding access to justice across Texas
AUSTIN, Texas––Today, Texas Legal Services Center, a nonprofit organization funded by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, installed its first legal kiosk in a Travis County government facility, in partnership with Justice of the Peace, Pct. 5, Judge Tanisa Jeffers, bringing the total number of kiosks statewide to 45. The kiosk, now located inside one of the busiest courthouses in Austin and across the state, expands the organization’s ongoing effort to connect Texans with free, legal resources.
“This program is rooted in the belief that access to justice should never depend on your zip code, income or whether you own a computer,” Karen Miller, executive director of Texas Legal Services Center, said. “By placing legal kiosks in familiar, accessible spaces—like libraries, shelters and now the Travis County Courthouse—we are empowering Texans to navigate the legal system with dignity and support. As we continue expanding, each new kiosk represents not just a piece of technology, but a promise to make justice more reachable for every Texan.”
Originally launched in 2023 following the COVID-19 pandemic, the legal kiosk project began as a way to help Texans without reliable internet or devices attend virtual court hearings. Since then, it has expanded into a broader access to justice initiative, offering physical, self-service legal kiosks in high-traffic community locations. At these stations, residents can upload legal documents, access legal aid and connect with attorneys at no cost.
“The legal kiosk now available in our courthouse provides a vital link to resources that many in our community wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach,” The Honorable Tanisa Jeffers said. “Whether someone needs to submit important documents or simply get reliable legal information, this tool gives them a place to start. The legal kiosk is a meaningful addition to our courthouse and a reflection of how we can use technology to better serve the public, improve efficiency and support fairness in the legal process.”
Each kiosk is equipped with a computer, step-by-step guidance, virtual court resources and access to live attorney support through TexasLawHelp.org. Kiosks are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese, and are placed in trusted places such as libraries, clinics, shelters and courthouses to reach Texans who may not be served by traditional outreach methods.
“The legal kiosk program is part of a larger statewide effort to eliminate the barriers that keep too many Texans from getting the legal help they need and deserve,” Betty Balli Torres, executive director of the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, said. “The Foundation is proud to fund and support organizations like Texas Legal Services Center that turn these goals into action and help make access to justice a reality for all Texans.”
For more information about the legal court kiosks or to access legal help with TLSC, visit www.tlsc.org/kiosks
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Texas Access to Justice Foundation
The Texas Access to Justice Foundation, created by the Supreme Court of Texas in 1984, is the primary state-based funding source for the provision of civil legal aid in Texas. The organization is committed to the vision that all Texans will have equal access to justice, regardless of their income. The Foundation administers a variety of funding sources, which are earmarked to assist nonprofit organizations in providing legal aid to more than100,000 Texas families each year. For more information, please visit: www.teajf.org.
Texas Legal Services Center
Texas Legal Services Center is a statewide nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide high-quality legal representation, advice, advocacy and education at no cost to underserved people across the state. With more than a dozen practice areas, our work touches almost every aspect of civil law that impacts low-income Texans.
Media contact:
ECPR Texas
(737) 412-5859 | (956) 778-8877
