Can Technology Transform Access to Legal Services? Exploring Social Justice Through LegalTech

On Thursday, 5th December, LegalTech in Leeds hosted its final in-person event of the year in partnership with Leeds Trinity University. Held at Platform, Bruntwood SciTech, this impactful morning explored the theme of Technology & Social Justice, delving into how innovation can help bridge the gap between technology and access to justice.

Setting the Scene

The event began with breakfast and networking, setting the stage for collaboration among legal professionals, technologists, and innovators. The agenda featured a keynote by Dr. Jessica Guth, Head of Law School at Leeds Trinity University, followed by a panel discussion with industry leaders, all united by the question: Can tech improve access to justice?

Keynote: The Intersection of Tech and Social Justice

Dr. Jess Guth opened her keynote with an ambitious declaration: “I’m in a change-the-world kind of mood today.” Jess highlighted the pressing social justice challenges in Leeds and beyond, from wealth disparity to the lack of low-cost or free legal provision for essential areas such as housing and debt advice.

She stressed the urgency for solutions, pointing out that even aspiring lawyers driven by social justice goals face financial barriers that deter them from this work. Jess argued that technology must be part of the solution, enabling scalable, coordinated efforts to address systemic issues.

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Panel Discussion: Diverse Perspectives on Tech and Justice

The panel brought together key voices from the legal and tech communities:

• Luke Corcoran, Vice President of Leeds Law Society and Government Legal Department lawyer, reflected on the transformative role technology has played in the legal sector, particularly since the pandemic.
• Nigel Brook, Legal Director at Tyr and President of Leeds Law Society, emphasised the accessibility improvements technology offers, while also recognising the persistent navigation challenges for many individuals.
• Adam Roney, Founder & CEO of Calls9 and AI startup Kalisa, advocated for AI as a pivotal tool in breaking barriers such as language and knowledge gaps, citing its potential to reconfigure public services fundamentally.
• Zoe Butt, Partner at Ridley & Hall, addressed the growing difficulty of delivering legal aid, noting that while tools like Teams improved access during Covid, systemic underfunding and outdated tech remain hurdles.

Highlights and Takeaways

• Tech as a Game-Changer: Adam Roney’s insights into AI's capacity to bridge gaps in legal knowledge were a key highlight, illustrating how generative AI can democratise access to justice.
• The Role of Accessibility: Both Zoe Butt and Nigel Brook highlighted that while technology enhances accessibility, systemic challenges like affordability and resource constraints still need attention.
• A Call for Collaboration: Dr. Jess Guth’s keynote underscored the need for coordinated, tech-driven efforts to tackle social justice issues effectively.
• AI systems are inherently biased: This poses a critical challenge. However, deploying AI in controlled and carefully monitored environments can help mitigate some of these biases.

Closing Reflections

The event concluded with networking, leaving attendees inspired to think about how their work in legal and tech can drive meaningful change. Leeds, a growing hub for LegalTech innovation, is poised to lead the way in reimagining access to justice through technology.

As we look ahead, the conversation sparked at this event serves as a reminder that while challenges persist, collaboration and innovation are key to creating a more equitable future.

If you're an LegalTechnology provider, or part of a legal team wanting to adopt new technologies and would like to join future discussions, we invite you to express your interest by messaging us on LinkedIn or emailing us at leedslegaltech@whitecapconsulting.co.uk

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