Legal Anywhere

Inspiration

HIstorically, legal service providers have assisted low-income clients using an in-person service delivery model. To focus on the problem of access to the courts for low-income and moderate income Floridians, Chief Justice LaBarga formed the Access to Justice Commission becoming the 37th Commission in the United States. In order to expand capacity and create more opportunities for access to justice, legal aid organizations must better utilize the power of existing and affordable technology platforms.

What it does

Legal Anywhere connects people to legal and social services throughout the State using an online program that is interactive, user-friendly, and individually tailored. Components of Legal Anywhere include a website and phone application. Although the website and phone app are available around the clock, individuals will also have the opportunity to access the website at designated community locations (campuses, libraries, medical clinics) and kiosks in high traffic areas. Locations may be staffed at published hours for user assistance.

How I built it

Legal Anywhere was designed during the three-day design process at the Legal Aid Summit offered by the Florida Bar Foundation in November, 2015. Six designers collaborated and created the concept. At this stage of design, elements of the phone application have been outlined. Positive feedback has been given by voluntary reviewers and criticisms have been incorporated in the existing design. A more comprehensive design will be created which will include more depth in all legal substantive areas.

Challenges I ran into

Understanding that electronic interviewing can be a barrier, defining a specific and understandable progression of questions is a major hurdle to overcome. Designing a product that provides meaningful assistance across diverse (bilingual, older, disabled, under-educated) populations is difficult and time-consuming, but possible. Another challenge is to establish a network of community partners who are also committed to a holistic approach to assisting the underserved.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

Legal Anywhere has tremendous potential to expand the reach of existing legal services organizations and structures by tapping into the accessiblity of the internet. This combined with consistent case monitoring by staff and pro bono professionals and follow-up will efficiently route persons who can be effective pro se litigants, those who need full legal representation, and those who can benefit from a broad field of social service providers.

What I learned

Designing a project with team members from diverse backgrounds and work experiences produces a more creative and useful result. The prototype testing phase caused us to re-evaluate the design to make it more effective and encouraged the team to consider the design from a different perspective.

What's next for Legal Anywhere

The design team proposes that product continue to be perfected with flow chart questioning, additional legal substantive areas, and routing to appropriate agencies. Testing of Legal Anywhere components should continue as sites are identified and community partners are engaged.

Built With

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