25 Years of Justice: NLSLA’s Self-Help Legal Access Centers Transform Access to Courts for Hundreds of Thousands of Angelenos

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Self-Help Legal Access Centers, a pioneering program that has transformed access to justice for residents across Los Angeles County and become a national model for courthouse-based legal assistance.

Launched in 2000 in partnership with Los Angeles County, spearheaded by then County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, the first Self-Help Legal Access Center opened as the first program of its kind in the nation, designed to ensure that all residents–regardless of income, language, or background–could meaningfully navigate the court system and protect their rights. What began as a single pilot location has grown into a countywide network of nine centers serving hundreds of thousands of Angelenos each year.

“When we launched the first Self-Help Legal Access Center 25 years ago, the goal was simple– to make sure that everyone, regardless of income, could meaningfully access the courts. What began as a small pilot has grown into a national model for expanding access to justice. I’m proud that Los Angeles County helped lead the way,” added retired Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.

Located in courthouses across Los Angeles County, including Antelope Valley, Compton, Inglewood, Long Beach, Pomona, Santa Monica, Torrance, Chatsworth, and Van Nuys, the Self-Help Legal Access Centers assist nearly 600 individuals each day with critical legal matters. Nearly three-quarters of visitors seek help with family law issues such as custody, divorce, and restraining orders, often while navigating trauma or instability.

“For 25 years, these centers have been a lifeline for people facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” said NLSLA President & CEO Yvonne MariaJimenez. “Whether someone is seeking safety from domestic violence, trying to keep a roof over their head, or working to protect their children, access to clear, reliable legal guidance can make all the difference. We are proud to have built a model that ensures justice is accessible to everyone.”

Staff at the centers are trained in trauma-informed care and provide compassionate assistance to survivors of domestic violence, helping them secure protective orders and address related legal needs involving housing, custody, and child support.

The centers also play a vital role in addressing Los Angeles County’s housing and homelessness crisis. By providing free legal information and guidance to tenants facing eviction, they help families remain housed when possible or secure the time and resources needed to transition safely, preventing many from falling into homelessness.

Beyond one-on-one assistance, the centers offer workshops and educational resources that simplify complex legal processes and empower residents to advocate for themselves in court. These services equip Angelenos with the tools to understand their rights and shape their own legal outcomes.

Operated by NLSLA in partnership with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and Community Legal Services SoCal, the network represents the largest system of courthouse self-help centers in California and a leading example of effective collaboration between legal aid organizations and the courts.

“As we mark this 25-year milestone, we celebrate the millions of Angelenos who have turned to these centers for help and the dedicated staff and partners who have made this work possible,” Ana Maria Garcia, Vice President of Access to Justice Initiatives at NLSLA. “We remain committed to expanding access to justice, strengthening communities, and ensuring that every person can be heard and supported in our legal system.”