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Legal Genie, Inc.: Improving Access to Justice Can Be a Moneymaker

The Legal Aid Society of Orange County (LASOC), based in Southeast Los Angeles County, has announced the creation of a for-profit entity to distribute and support its legal self-help software. The new company, Legal Genie, Inc., will offer paid access to the Legal Genie application, a Web-based service that allows users to fill out legal documents such as court forms or pleadings by answering a series of simple questions.

The new venture targets those people who do not qualify for free legal representation, but cannot afford traditional full-service representation. The Legal Genie website can provide assistance for a wide range of legal matters, and includes the option to consult with private-sector attorneys.

Access to justice is not just a public policy issue; it can also be a private sector opportunity. The existing paradigm of full service for the wealthy and free service for the poor leaves the middle class in something of a bind – they are “priced out of legal representation,” creating an underserved market. By embracing approaches such as unbundling and Web-based services, companies like Legal Genie illustrate how improving access to the legal system can be a foundation for a profitable business.