Clallam County, Washington, is expanding access to legal resources for its residents through a new partnership between the Clallam County Law Library (CCLL) and the North Olympic Library System (NOLS). The initiative, announced on , aims to bridge the gap for individuals navigating the legal system without legal representation and to better serve the needs of legal professionals in the region.
For many, the cost of legal counsel presents a significant barrier to understanding and asserting their rights. Public law libraries serve as a crucial resource, offering free access to legal information, forms, and research tools. The CCLL’s expansion of these services, facilitated by the collaboration with NOLS, represents a proactive step towards ensuring equitable access to justice within the county.
The core of the expansion lies in the introduction of dedicated computer terminals equipped with access to Lexis Plus (Lexis+) – a comprehensive legal database – at two NOLS locations: the Port Angeles Main Library and the Forks Branch Library. These terminals are available during regular library hours, providing convenient legal research capabilities for residents across both the eastern and western portions of Clallam County. Previously, access to law library materials was limited to less than 10 hours per week and confined to the Clallam County Courthouse.
Beyond physical access, NOLS library cardholders now benefit from remote access to the Law Library’s eBook collection via the LexisNexis Digital Library. This allows residents to conduct legal research from their homes or any location with internet connectivity, significantly broadening the reach of these vital resources. Instructions for accessing the digital library are available on the NOLS website (NOLS.org/Law-Library).
This expansion is the result of a 2024 initiative by the CCLL board to improve the reliability and inclusivity of legal information access. While Washington State law mandates county-provided library services for judges, officials, and attorneys, the CCLL is actively extending these benefits to the general public. This move acknowledges the growing need for self-help legal resources and the importance of empowering citizens to understand their legal options.
The financial underpinning of this partnership involves an annual administrative fee of $5,000, paid by the CCLL to NOLS. This funding supports computer maintenance and technical assistance for the public utilizing the new resources. The Law Library is funded through fees collected from court filings, demonstrating a direct link between the legal system and the provision of public access to legal information.
The broader landscape of legal aid in Clallam County includes several organizations working to provide assistance to those in need. Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers (CJCPBL) connects qualifying clients with volunteer attorneys for free legal consultations, and also provides court-appointed counsel in landlord-tenant cases. CJCPBL also hosts free legal clinics throughout the county and can be reached at email protected or via their website.
Northwest Justice Project (NWJP) offers free legal assistance and representation to eligible clients, with a Port Angeles branch located at 1020 Caroline St. The CLEAR Hotline, maintained by NWJP, provides toll-free legal advice to low-income individuals. CLEAR can be reached at 1-888-201-1014 outside of King County, and through 2-1-1 within King County. Specialized CLEAR hotlines are also available for seniors (1-888-387-7111), those facing eviction (1-855-657-8387), and those facing foreclosure (1-800-606-4819). WASHINGTONLAWHELP.ORG, also maintained by NWJP, serves as a comprehensive online resource for Washington State legal issues.
The expansion of legal resources in Clallam County reflects a growing recognition of the importance of accessible legal information. By leveraging the existing infrastructure of the NOLS and embracing digital access, the CCLL is taking a significant step towards ensuring that all residents have the tools they need to navigate the legal system effectively. This initiative not only benefits individuals facing legal challenges but also strengthens the overall fabric of justice within the community.
For further information on library hours and available resources, residents can visit NOLS.org, call 360-417-8500, or email discover@nols.org.
