LSC and Technology Innovation
May 08, 2019
Leveraging Mobile Tech to Expand Access to Justice
LSC in Mobile Tech
LSC recognizes the importance of mobile technology in delivering legal information and assistance to low-income Americans. While individuals who are struggling financially may not have internet access through a home computer, many do have a smartphone capable of view in mobile websites and sending and receiving text messages. LSC has awarded special funding to grantees focused on using mobile technology, including support of the following projects:
- A SMS-Based Reminder System for Attorney Meetings and Court Dates: Legal Assistance of Western New York utilized special LSC funding to incorporate SMS text messaging into its practice by building out features in its case management system that support secure, recorded text communications with clients. Advocates can incorporate communication with clients into their workflow, and all text messages are recorded within the client's electronic case file. The Western New York project is one of several initiatives to use text messaging for client communications and appointment reminders. (Others include projects in Florida, Virginia, and Michigan.)
- Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) recently completed a statewide mobilization effort. The goal of this project was to create a mobile interface enhancement that enables low-income Montanans to easily, efficiently, and effectively apply for and obtain MLSA’s services. By creating a mobile interface for their online application for services, this model allows Montanans who may only have access to the internet through their mobile devices to gain civil legal aid.
- Many states across the country now offer websites designed using a mobile-first strategy. Recent LSC-supported initiatives include the redesign of LawHelpMN.org and the mobile optimization of IllinoisLegalAid.org. The latter project added texting capabilities so that users could send important legal information via SMS to a friend or family member, or to themselves.
Carlyle Group’s David Rubenstein, Merck’s Ken Frazier, and Amazon’s David Zapolsky discuss why civil legal aid is important to American business.
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