Questioning Our Expectations of Legal Tech

In December 2016, an article appeared in this blog which stated the following:

Legal tech solutions have proven to be an effective remedy to the shortage of affordable legal representation. Supporting and endorsing legal tech startups, particularly those that address niche concerns for self-represented litigants, is an excellent way to help "modest means" individuals participate in the legal process. 

While this may hold true, and plenty of legal tech observers are reinforcing this claim, others are starting to question the true usefulness of legal apps and the innovations of legal start-ups as the keys to removing barriers to justice. Obviously, tech-as-a-solution has its limitations, and not only in the legal field. Holistic approaches to reducing the justice gap should include other strategies as well, such as increased funding for public law libraries, and amendments to ethics rules that would allow lawyers more freedom in providing additional services via limited scope representation. An excellent resource on this subject is the book, Beyond Elite Law: Access to Civil Justice in America which looks at the wide range of options for improving just outcomes for people of modest means. Technology is only one. Law schools, bar associations, pro bono services, alternative dispute resolution, and nonlawyer services are others. Implementing a reform agenda, creating a culture of service, and working to continually improve the delivery of legal services are the elements that must combine with technology to lessen the justice gap in the United States. 

Free PLI Webcast - Aftermath of Hurricane Harvey: Disaster Assistance

The Practicing Law Institute will offer a free, one-hour briefing called the Aftermath of Hurricane Harvey: Disaster Assistance. Expert faculty from FEMA and Southeast Louisiana Legal Services will address: 

• An overview of federal disaster assistance
• Eligibility criteria for the Individual and Household’s Program
• Broad overview of the National Flood Insurance Program
• Sale of flood insurance
• Mapping flood hazards
• Floodplain management
• Flood mitigation assistance
• Understanding the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) and claim
• Terms and conditions in the SFIP
• Proof of Loss and timelines for filing claims –building and contents
• When experts are needed
• Appeal and judicial review regarding a denial of a flood insurance claim
• How to appeal a claim
• Filing suit 
• Most common reasons for FEMA denials
• Practice tips to help survivors overcome FEMA denials

The program will be webcast on Thursday, September 7 at 3:00 pm Central time. Registration is free and includes a downloadable course handbook, which will be available prior to the program for your review. This program is approved for one-hour of general CLE credit in Texas. For details and to register, please visit the PLI website.

Texas Free Legal Answers

The American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service recently launched a new service called Free Legal Answers. Texas is a participating state with its own dedicated web page where qualifying residents can post questions regarding civil legal matters. Volunteer attorneys who are authorized to provide pro bono assistance in Texas will answer the questions and respond to users via the website. This virtual legal advice clinic is a terrific new service for the residents of Texas, especially for self-represented litigants and those who otherwise can't afford a lawyer.

Simply visit the Texas Free Legal Answers web page, and follow these steps:

• Answer a few simple questions to see if you qualify to use the service.
• Submit your legal question for the volunteer attorneys to answer.
• Check your email to be notified when a response has been posted.
• Log back in to the Texas Free Legal Answers web page to view your reply.

The volunteer attorneys will not answer questions regarding criminal legal matters, but any civil law questions will be accepted and answered in a timely manner. For additional assistance, visit the Other Places to Get Help link at the top of the page. To register as a volunteer attorney, visit the Volunteer Attorney Registration page and ProBonoTexas.org  If you would like more information about the Free Legal Answers site, contact the National Site Administrator. 

Texas Supreme Court Commission to Expand Legal Services Releases Justice Gap Report

On December 6, 2016, the Commission to Expand Civil Legal Services released eight recommendations for increasing the public's access to justice in Texas. As part of these recommendations, the Commission presented innovative options for those of modest means to participate in the legal system and thereby narrow the justice gap in Texas. Two overarching goals guided the Commission in the drafting of its report: connecting lower and middle-income clients with affordable representation and helping pro se litigants navigate the court system.

According to the report, the success of current initiatives has been dependent upon the participation of public law libraries at the state and county levels. Recognizing the essential role that libraries play, the Commission's report encourages the court to promote adequate funding for public law libraries and for the placement of navigators in libraries, courthouses, and other public spaces. 

In addition to the Travis County Law Library and the Texas State Law Library, the Harris County Law Library was recognized by the Commission for taking steps to close the justice gap. We at the Harris County Law Library are very proud of this recognition, as well as our partnership with the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program in providing services to the populations targeted by the Commission’s recommendations and objectives. We look forward to continuing to provide assistance to our library clientele, helping them to navigate their way through the justice system.