Updated May 5, 2021
NOTICE: To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Hays County Law Library is temporarily closed to the public until further notice. Please read the information below about obtaining access to Westlaw outside of the Law Library.
During the COVID-19 closure, Westlaw is accessible on personal devices inside the Government Center or outside of the building. Westlaw is a database that the Law Library provides to patrons for access to case law, statutes, rules, guides, and forms.
Westlaw Access Outside the Government Center (at home or office)
First Time Account – No Existing Account
To sign-up for temporary access to Westlaw, you MUST follow the instructions below and make sure to select the correct options that are presented in the instructions. Please note that you must agree to the terms and conditions set by Thomson Reuters – Westlaw.
Westlaw Patron Access – Outside the Library Sign-Up Link
Westlaw Patron Access – Outside the Library Sign-Up Instructions
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- Access the Westlaw Edge trial page: https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/en/c/remote-patron-access.
- Enter your email address.
- Enter your contact information. In the Organization Type field, please select Government – State or Local.
- Skip the “Add Colleagues” page.
- Click “I agree to Terms & Conditions” and click Create Profile.
- Create OnePass Profile and Security fields.
- Confirm your OnePass profile and click Get Started to begin searching on Westlaw Edge!
- IDs created using this link will have access to Westlaw and Practical Law for 14 days.
Existing Westlaw User or Request for Extended Access
If you created a free remote access account from the links above and ran out of time or have your own personal Westlaw account and need access to resources outside of your plan, send an email to hayscountylawlibrary@co.hays.tx.us to request access. The Library staff will request a temporary account for you. Please note that it can take 2 or so days to obtain the account.
Westlaw Access Inside the Government Center
To access Westlaw on a personal device inside the Government Center, patrons must connect to the complimentary public Hays County WIFI accessible within the building and then select one of the links below for access to Patron Edge or Drafting Assistant.
Access Westlaw Drafting Assistant Essential
Westlaw Access for Hays County Employees
Hays County employees utilizing County devices should follow the links below. If you are in the office, you can click the link below, and no additional steps are necessary. If you are working from home or outside of the Government Center, you must connect to VPN before accessing the links below.