The Legal Kiosk Project
A project of the Minnesota Legal Services CoalitionThe Problem
The COVID-19 pandemic and public health emergency have moved the legal system virtual, creating a digital divide that has disproportionately impacted the communities served by Minnesota Legal Aid. Access to the legal system and a chance at justice is only available to those with the means and resources to use technology.
The Solution
To address this digital divide, the Minnesota Legal Services Coalition requested CARES Act funds to give communities access to civil justice by creating a statewide network of over 250 legal kiosks to be stationed in a variety of court, agency, non-profit, and other community locations.
These community-based legal kiosks help Minnesotans who face technology access and transportation barriers to have a healthy and safe experience interacting with civil legal aid experts, as well as the administrative and court systems in which their cases will be proceeding.
Kiosk Models
Two Types of Legal Kiosks
Model A Kiosks
The Model A Legal Kiosk is a public-facing kiosk that serves as a community access point to civil legal justice. These kiosks connect users to civil legal information, self-help services, and statewide civil legal aid intake. Model A kiosks can be found in a variety of locations and are an excellent option for Legal Aid Programs collaborating on access points.
Model B Kiosks
The Model B Legal Kiosk is a Legal Aid Program-focused kiosk that serves as a virtual portal to the individual Legal Aid program managing the kiosk. Applicants and/or clients can be directed to Model B kiosks for tasks such as intake, meetings with their attorney, and appearing virtually as needed while represented by the Legal Aid Program. Model B kiosks are placed in locations with the ability to create a confidential space while the kiosk is in use.
Our Parent Project
The Legal Kiosk Project is one of a series of Reach Justice Minnesota initiatives that leverage technology and emergency staffing to help protect Minnesotans’ basic civil and human rights in the face of an unprecedented emergency and disaster. Reach Justice initiatives create a variety of unique access points, meeting clients in their communities.
