Despite about 2 million of hours of legal services donated last year by Florida Bar members, 60%-80% of low and middle-class Floridians can’t afford legal representation, and as a result are being shut out of the legal process. While Florida is in many ways ground zero for this issue, it is not alone in the crisis. In fact, the World Justice Project ranks the United States 65th of 99 countries in accessibility and affordability of civil justice.  According to The Florida Bar, Pro se representation in family law averaged 73% in Florida’s large counties as far back as 2006. Domestic violence, debt collection and eviction cases in other jurisdictions are up to 90% pro se litigants.  

Comprised of nearly 26,000 young attorneys across the state, The Florida Bar’s Young Lawyers Division believes the answer lies in technology. As is so often the case, when used correctly, technology has the ability to be the ‘great equalizer,’ putting the power of information directly into the hands of consumers. Along these lines, the Young Lawyers Division is exploring how low-cost online legal service providers and stronger online legal referral platforms can help expand access to justice and create new opportunities for attorneys to better serve their clients.