LSC will develop 'legal portals' to help people find civil legal services
The Legal Services Corp. announced on Tuesday that it is developing online “legal portals” to help people who need civil legal help find the most appropriate forms of assistance.
The project will begin with pilot portals in one or two states, according to a press release and the Am Law Daily (sub. req.). Microsoft Corp. is donating at least $1 million to the program and is providing technical support and project management. Pro Bono Net, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to justice, will help assemble local partners.
States will be invited to compete for the opportunity to develop the pilot portals. Users of the portals will be guided to resources based on the nature of the matter and the user’s personal circumstances, LSC President James Sandman said in the press release.
“The current system of accessing legal services is confusing, opaque and inefficient for many people,” Sandman said. “The goal of the portals is to simplify the process by providing a single, statewide point of access to effective help for people needing civil legal assistance.”
