Nikole Nelson, CEO of Frontline Justice and former legal aid lawyer in Alaska, discusses her organization’s mission to empower community justice workers, addressing the access crisis in U.S. legal services. She shares that five states have enacted laws for these non-lawyer helpers, with twenty more considering similar initiatives. Nelson highlights the launch of a National Taskforce on Training, the integration of technology to support justice workers, and the collaboration with the Gates Foundation to assist underserved communities.

Earlier this month, the Legal Services Corporation, the largest funder of civil legal aid in the United States, held its annual Innovations in Technology Conference in Phoenix. This year’s conference was particularly special for two reasons. For one, it was the conference’s 25th anniversary, as well as the 25th anniversary of the Technology Initiative Grants program that was the genesis of the conference.  For another, this year’s conference followed the official retirement in November of Glenn Rawdon, the person who got the conference started in the first place and who oversaw it all these years. As program counsel at the LSC since 1999, it was Rawdon’s job to assist legal services programs with their technology efforts, manage the LSC’s technology grants, and make this conference happen every year.  Rawdon is our guest this week, as he sits down with host Bob Ambrogi to share the origin story and evolution of the two groundbreaking LSC initiatives he helped launch and oversee — the TIG program and the ITC conference (long known as the TIG conference).  From the conference’s humble beginnings as a gathering of 32 people in New Orleans in 2000, Rawdon explains how it grew into what many now consider the premier global event focused on technology and access to justice, this year drawing 700 attendees and 150 presenters from around the world. He also discusses how the TIG program, which started with a $7.5 million budget funding mainly website projects, evolved to support more sophisticated technology initiatives aimed at expanding access to legal services. Drawing from his unique background as a solo practitioner who embraced technology in the 1980s to improve his own efficiency, Rawdon shares insights about the initially tentative but gradually expanding role of technology in legal aid organizations. He discusses key milestones like the development of document assembly tools, online intake systems, and statewide legal information websites — innovations that helped transform how legal aid is delivered.   Thank You To Our Sponsors This episode of LawNext is generously made possible by our sponsors. We appreciate their support and hope you will check them out. Paradigm, home to the practice management platforms PracticePanther, Bill4Time, MerusCase and LollyLaw; the e-payments platform Headnote; and the legal accounting software TrustBooks. Briefpoint, eliminating routine discovery response and request drafting tasks so you can focus on drafting what matters (or just make it home for dinner). LEX Reception, Never miss a call, with expert answering service for Lawyers.   If you enjoy listening to LawNext, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.  

Sateesh Nori is a legal aid attorney and tech innovator dedicated to bridging AI and access to justice. He discusses his journey from housing lawyer to developing AI tools, like Roxanne, to help tenants understand their rights. Nori believes AI could revolutionize legal services and tackle the justice gap, comparing its potential impact to electricity. He also critiques the current legal education system for not preparing students for a tech-driven future and emphasizes the ethical considerations in integrating technology into legal practices.

Anastasia Boyko, Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law, shares her diverse career journey from tax lawyer to yoga teacher. She delves into the importance of leadership training in legal education and discusses innovative approaches to prepare students for real-world challenges. Boyko also tackles the integration of technology in law schools and the significance of non-lawyer solutions in enhancing access to justice, all while highlighting her experiences as a refugee from Soviet Ukraine.

Terra Nevitt, Executive Director of the Washington State Bar Association with a background in civil legal aid, and Craig Shank, a seasoned Washington lawyer with experience in big law and tech, dive into Washington's groundbreaking pilot program allowing non-lawyer entities to practice law. They discuss how this initiative aims to improve access to justice and the regulatory measures required to maintain integrity. The conversation shines a light on the challenges and successes of similar programs in other states, emphasizing the importance of ethical compliance and community support.

An AI tool from Google transforms written documents into lively audio discussions about law practice management technology. The conversation dives into the consolidation of legal tech, examining the impact of major companies on competition and innovation. It highlights Clio's advancements, the challenges faced by other players, and ethical considerations regarding data protection. The future of AI in legal practice raises questions about the evolving roles of lawyers and the importance of staying adaptable in this fast-paced industry.

Join Paul Henry, Founder and CEO of NGAGE Intelligence, as he dives into the vital link between engagement and tech adoption in law firms. He emphasizes that true innovation stems from genuine user interaction with technology. Henry shares insights on using behavioral analytics to monitor engagement, improve attorney-client communications, and optimize ROI on legal tools. He also discusses challenges in collaboration among departments and how user feedback is essential for effective tech integration.

Claret Vargas and Daniel McLaughlin are dedicated senior staff attorneys at the Center for Justice and Accountability, focusing on seeking justice for victims of atrocity crimes. Joanne Sprague directs Everlaw’s initiative providing free e-discovery software to legal aid groups. They discuss the transformative impact of Everlaw for Good on human rights litigation. Topics include tackling the complexities of document management, navigating legal challenges in atrocity cases, and leveraging advanced technology to enhance justice efforts worldwide.

Sally Gonzalez, a pioneer in legal knowledge management with a 40-year career at top law firms, discusses her insights before retiring. She highlights the evolution of KM, stressing the shift towards AI-driven approaches and the need for strategic alignment with business goals. Cultural dynamics between US and UK firms impact knowledge sharing, while firm leadership plays a crucial role in embracing innovation. Gonzalez also emphasizes the importance of a strategic vision for professional success, blending technology with the human element in legal practices.

AJ Shankar, Co-founder and CEO of Everlaw, dives into the revolutionary impact of generative AI on the legal field. With a PhD from UC Berkeley, he shares insights from Everlaw's recent summit and the launch of AI tools aimed at streamlining document discovery and trial preparation. Shankar emphasizes the importance of user feedback and transparency as AI reshapes workflows. He also discusses the need for legal professionals to adapt to these technological changes while maintaining critical thinking and data security.