The challenges and opportunities of 'big data' and power imbalances in alternative dispute resolution are among the five key areas to be studied under an initiative announced by the Law Society today. The 21st Century Justice project aims to meet the challenges facing the justice system and make it fit for the future.
Initially focusing on the civil justice system, the project has convened working groups to look at five key areas:
- Power imbalances in Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Help for small businesses and those not eligible for legal aid to meet legal costs
- The role of solicitors in digitalisation of the justice system
- Big data and access to justice
- Civil Legal Aid
The work will be supported by an advisory group made up of experts including academics, specialist NGOs, legal professionals, LawTech leaders, business and consumer groups.
Law Society deputy vice president Richard Atkinson said: 'Our aim is to lead the debate and identify systemic improvements that will serve society now and far into the future. We will be drawing on the expertise of our council and committee members as well as that of external stakeholders and those who use the justice system.'
In an article for the Gazette today, Atkinson writes: 'To ensure the profession is at the cutting edge of the digitalisation of the justice system, we’ll look at what is needed to make sure online court systems interface effectively with those used by solicitors. And we will identify both the potential and the risks of using "big data" and predictive capability in the justice system, enabling us to consider measures that will ensure access to justice is enhanced and protected.'
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