Lawyers should embrace technology
Mindful of this new reality, we, as lawyers stand on the brink of a technological revolution that is fundamentally changing the way we practice law. COURTESY PHOTO
What you need to know:
- Rural communities are increasingly without lawyers even as law school graduates are without jobs.
- Such communities are characterised by less education, poverty, poor technological infrastructure, and few practicing advocates, which translates into access to justice barriers.
- The most affected people are the poor, whose land is grabbed by the rich; victims of sexual and gender-based violence, and vulnerable populations all with distinct legal needs.
We shop, bank, and socialise online 24-7, yet legal services are still predominately delivered during the traditional business hours (8am to 5pm). For a widow, for example residing in a remote village in the far eastern or western, the cost of commuting to an urban centre may be one of many barriers to accessing justice.
Access to justice barriers are more pronounced in rural communities where the pool of available lawyers is reduced. Recent research indicates that 80 per cent of advocates in Uganda are based in urban areas. Also, a report by The Hague Institute for innovation and the Law (HiiL) on justice needs 2016 revealed that 88 per cent of Ugandans experienced difficulty in accessing justice.
Rural communities are increasingly without lawyers even as law school graduates are without jobs. Such communities are characterised by less education, poverty, poor technological infrastructure, and few practicing advocates, which translates into access to justice barriers. The most affected people are the poor, whose land is grabbed by the rich; victims of sexual and gender-based violence, and vulnerable populations all with distinct legal needs.
There have been remarkable advances in information technologies as an enabler to access unlimited information less expensively.
Mindful of this new reality, we, as lawyers stand on the brink of a technological revolution that is fundamentally changing the way we practice law. Although the future is uncertain, one thing is clear: digital transformation of courts and justice systems can promote inclusion and access to justice for all, especially for rural communities if investments are made in technologies that are affordable, accessible, available, and of good quality.
Lawyers must adopt technology in an innovative and creative way to avail legal services to clients at the grassroots through creating online solutions. There is need to develop mobile apps that connect rural clients directly to a law firm, legal aid service provider and courts of law. Rural clients could also access justice via video conferencing, voice calls, e- filling, e- signatures, and free online legal forms for common legal needs such as wills, rent agreements, sale and buy agreements, incorporation documents, among others. Such creative innovations will mitigate issues hindering access to justice in rural areas.
If lawyers can leverage on new and emerging technologies, we can make good on the promise of equality and access to justice for all.
Human rights and health law lawyer, Semuyaba, Iga & Co. Advocates.
