The JusticeTech and Access to Justice tech fields are growing by leaps and bounds.
I've been involved in this effort since I graduated from law school 40 years ago. We we are now at a brink of a new age of access to justice with technology offering many opportunities to increase access to justice like never before.
We will try to keep this article up to date with the latest tools that we know of that are available to help people navigate the legal system.
Here’s a list of our favorites.
LawHelp Interactive
Part of a LegalServices initiative to help self-helpers in every state gain access to automated forms and information that can help them handle their routine legal matters.
Nolo.com
Even though Nolo is now owned by KKR hedge fund, it still manages to put out good books in the spirit of its founders, back in the 80s and 90s when I worked for this pioneering organization that led the development of self-help legal products in the USA.
Nolo's Estate Planning Tools
Nolo’s WillMaker software is a fine tool if you’re looking to make a will that does the standard things that 80% of people want to do. It will do a more than adequate job of that.
And if you’re looking to avoid probate, there’s no better guide than 8 Ways to Avoid Probate.
And if you’re dealing with the death of a loved one, The Executors Guide is a godsend of checklist and to-do lists for what you need to do the first week, second week, etc, after someone’s death. This book can be a critical guide when at a time when emotions may make it hard to think straight and do what needs to be done.
Nolo's Debt Management Tools
Nolo’s book How to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is a great companion to anyone considering bankruptcy. This 400-page guide features step-by-step information for handling a wide range of situations and takes you through each form, one line at a time. Even if you decide to hire a lawyer, you’ll have a much better idea of what to expect from them and a better idea of what you’re paying them for.
If you’re considering filing Chapter 13, getting a lawyer is highly advised, but Nolo’s book, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, is a great way to familiarize yourself with what lies ahead for the next several years if you opt to go with a Chapter 13 plan.
eForms.com
This site has arisen from nowhere and now offers many do-it-your-self forms in all 50 states. In addition, they offer helpful articles and videos that explain simple non-contested procedural aspects of law.
CaseText.com
This company has quickly become a dominant player in the legal research field and offers premium customers extended features but also offers a lot of features for free. If you’re looking the verify the for caselaw that ChatGPT says it found, casetext is a good place to look.
Recently purchased Westlaw, this product may soon not be available free to the general public. We shall see.
Google Scholar (scholar.google.com)
Lawyers know that Google Scholar is a great place to find free case law and has been for over a decade. They do a good job of indexing and cross-listing cases also when one case sites another.
If you’re searching your bankruptcy judge’s rulings on student loans to see if they’re stingy or generous, google scholar is a good place to look.
Justia.com
Operated by free law pioneer Tim Stanley, Justia.com offers links to primary law, legal journals, and lawyers who are willing to answer your questions about consumer law.
The following video features, Tim Stanley, reviewing the various free law options there are on the Internet. (I've known Tim since the days of Gopher and DOS. ) and in this video he talks about the history of the free law movement.
The content of this article pertains to all US states and counties.