ACCESS
The primary failing of the legal system today is one of access. This is a global problem that requires a global solution. The data from the US shows that in the 100 million non-criminal cases filed annually almost 80% of the cases one party must navigate through the court process without representation. Millions of others have foregone basic legal documents such as wills, power of attorney, and medical directives. This lack of representation or basic legal security highlights a gap in the justice system that impacts all of us. The two types of individuals who lack this access to legal services and representation are people without the means to pay for representation and people who perceive the legal system as a difficult, expensive, or unapproachable endeavor.
On the flip side of the access coin, a lesser-known phenomenon exists with small law offices. 90% of the legal businesses are solo and small firms. These small businesses typically function with one to four lawyers who do not have the resources to market their services like a larger firm, nor do they charge the exorbitant rates of their larger counterparts. These firms struggle to make their services known to the greater public, meaning those from the socio-economic class that could actually afford their services do not know they exist. Lawyers as a whole spend $6 Billion+ on marketing with tremendous fragmentation resulting in duplicative efforts. These lawyers, too, lack access to the people they could best serve.
After delving into the major issues of accessibility and accountability that plague our current legal system, we’ve found a solution that leverages artificial intelligence to increase clients’ access to legal help and increase accountability within the legal process. We aim to make the legal system accessible, trustworthy, and accountable.
Authored by Jason Velez, Esq., CEO and Founder of 1LAW.
Mr. Velez is an accomplished personal injury attorney and leading tech innovator for the legal industry across the world. He believes in equality and justice for all. This belief fostered an inspiration to make justice accessible to anyone, anywhere! He is known for creating the Cochran App, an app which the Cochran Firm (a legacy of Johnnie Cochran) uses nationwide to receive referrals, communicate with clients and staff, and leverages document automation which allows for efficiency in reaching and aiding more clients. 1LAW is currently extending their horizons to Asia by working with the Singapore Academy of Law to promote their goals of an efficient and electronic means of practicing law.
