SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Center for Social Justice at Western New England University (WNEU) will be launching a free Legal Kiosk initiative all throughout Springfield.

Western New England University School of Law’s Center for Social Justice is launching the establishment of Legal Kiosks positioned in the Springfield area, which is being funded by the MassMutual Foundation. This initiative will provide free access to technology and legal resources to underserved communities.

“We run a consumer debt initiative that helps people who are facing credit card actions. This kiosk project is a phase of that was really brought into existence because of COVID-19. So we design these kiosks to enable people to get greater access to justice through technology on their terms,” said Ariel Clemmer, Director of Center for Social Justice at WNEU.

Legal Kiosks are computer stations that will be located across the greater Springfield area. They provide access to the justice system to individuals without access to wifi or technology. Community members can find free civil legal service providers that are nearby, access legal resources, print documents, and, can attend online meetings and remote court hearings in privacy at a Legal Kiosk.

Locations:

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, Inc
  • Springfield City Libraries
    • Brightwood
    • Forest Park
    • Indian Orchard
    • Library Express at Pine Point
    • Mason Square
  • Western New England University
  • New North Citizens’ Council, Inc.
  • The Performance Project
  • Arise for Social Justice
  • United Way of Pioneer Valley
  • Open Pantry Community Services, inc.

Legal Kiosks allow residents to leverage the power of technology to access the justice system on their terms.

“These Legal Kiosks are a significant resource to the city of Springfield as they provide a means to empower individuals to take control of their specific circumstances, interact with the legal system on their own terms, and ensures equal access to the justice system for all” stated Williams. “The Kiosks are available for legal matters relating to housing, immigration, family law, public benefits, disability rights, debt, and inheritance.”   

Mayor Sarno stated, “I want to thank Attorney Talia Gee and the legal team at Western New England School of Law for their efforts in putting together this important free legal initiative to help educate and support those in need of free legal service providers and resources.  I also want to thank MassMutual for funding this initiative too.”