Improving the UK's Access to Justice Can Start with Legal Technology

The English legal system has traditionally enjoyed a reputation for being 'the best in the world,' with a top-quality bar and independent judiciary and specialist commercial courts and arbitration services bringing lucrative international business into the country.

However, it is a system that is also significantly overstretched. The last decade has seen the legal aid advice network brutally devastated by funding cuts. Entire areas of law fall outside of the scope of publicly funded legal services. The severe lack of access to affordable legal assistance has led to senior judges warning that the quality of the entire system hangs in the balance.

A Closed Shop

Fewer than 10% of people experiencing legal problems instruct solicitors, and with top lawyers charging up to £1,000 per hour, it is no surprise that two thirds of people feel that legal services are too expensive.