Leaders from the Legal and Technology Communities Gather in Portland for LSC’s Innovations in Technology Conference

PORTLAND, OREGON – The Legal Services Corporation’s (LSC) Innovations in Technology Conference, the largest event dedicated to expanding access to justice through technological innovation, will be held January 15-17 in Portland, Oregon.

This is LSC’s 20th technology conference and will feature 180 presenters. The conference brings together technologists, legal aid advocates, court personnel, pro bono coordinators, and other professionals to showcase technology projects and tools to improve access to civil legal services for those most in need. 

The need for these legal services is enormous. Studies consistently show that a high percentage of the civil legal needs of low-income people are not being met. LSC’s 2017 report, The Justice Gap—Measuring the Unmet Civil Legal Needs of Low-Income Americans, showed that low-income Americans receive no or inadequate professional help for 86% of their civil legal problems.

“This year’s conference will be our largest ever – almost 600 people, a 20 percent increase over last year’s record-setting attendance,” said LSC President James J. Sandman. “LSC’s Innovations in Technology Conference is the world’s premier gathering of experts in expanding access to justice through technology. I am looking forward to great discussions and ideas from the best minds in the field.”

Those interested in participating will have livestream access to multiple panels via LSC’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Some of the topics that will be highlighted are:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Several sessions will explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning can improve access to justice. Experts will also discuss predictions for new developments in this area.   
  • Legal Design. Experts will demonstrate how innovative design can help organizations improve the delivery of legal services. Several sessions will offer tips for ensuring that self-help materials and interactive online tools effectively reach and serve the users they were designed to assist. 
  • Regulatory Reform. Three sessions will examine ways to ensure that more low-income Americans have access to legal help by changing regulation barring the unauthorized practice of law.

The conference will be held at the Portland Hilton Downtown, 921 SW Sixth Avenue. For a complete list of session descriptions and presenters, visit the conference page.

See a list of livestreamed sessions here. Follow #LSCITC to join the conversation on Twitter.

Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974. For 50 years, LSC has provided financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. The Corporation currently provides funding to 131 independent nonprofit legal aid programs in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.