On Monday, the American Arbitration Association (AAA), in partnership with Suffolk University Law School, announced the launch of an Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Innovation Clinic that will develop a number of digital tools for unrepresented litigants in low-contest divorces and family law cases in Massachusetts.

The clinic will run for three years with the aim of eventually expanding its effort to new jurisdictions and additional legal subject areas outside of family law. Through the partnership, the AAA and Suffolk Law plan to develop a number of digital tools, including an ODR platform for divorces and related matters, a virtual mediation resource, "smart" court forms and interactive interviews that help guide litigants through family law processes, and AI-powered public guidance, according to a press release announcing the partnership.

While family law is not an area the AAA has focused much on in the past, AAA CEO and former chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court Bridget McCormack told Legaltech News that it is one in need of innovation. "Family law is one area where most people can't afford lawyers but have disputes that are pretty important and impactful, and it's hard for them to navigate them in the traditional legal system, which was built by lawyers for lawyers," she said.