Written by Navigating the UK legal system can be challenging, particularly for Litigants in Person (LiPs), who often face the difficulty of understanding complex legal procedures without professional guidance. Legal Lens began as a personal project, born out of my own battle with a landlord and law firm, and has since evolved into a platform dedicated to empowering individuals to manage their legal challenges more effectively.
From Personal Experience to a Public Resource
What started as a series of articles on LinkedIn chronicling my legal journey quickly resonated with many others facing similar challenges. As the readership grew, it became clear that there was a need for a more structured approach to sharing these insights. This led to the creation of LegalLens.org.uk, a dedicated platform where these articles could be better categorised and accessed by those in need. However, LinkedIn remains a vital part of this journey, and I am committed to continuing to publish articles and engage with the community here. The website is intended to complement what we’ve built together on LinkedIn, offering a more expansive range of resources and tools.
Building Out the Legal Resources Hub
Building upon our newsletter on LinkedIn, we are now focused on expanding the platform into a comprehensive Legal Resources Hub. Our goal is to provide a wide range of tools and resources to support Litigants in Person and anyone navigating the UK legal system. This online hub will enhance the content and discussions we’ve started on LinkedIn, providing deeper insights and additional support.
Key Features Coming to the Legal Lens Website
- Interactive Peer Support Network: We are developing an Interactive Peer Support Network to connect users with experienced guides. These guides, while not necessarily legal professionals, have extensive practical experience in law, finance, and mental health. They will offer personalised guidance through the platform, helping users navigate their legal journeys with greater confidence.
- Verified Professional Directory: Recognising the need for qualified legal support, Legal Lens is curating a directory of verified professionals known for their ethical practices and expertise. This directory will allow users to identify and access high-quality legal services at more affordable rates. We’re ensuring that all professionals listed hold relevant UK qualifications and accreditations, such as those from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
- Enhanced Tools for LiPs: Our website will feature a suite of tools designed to support LiPs, including a Document Bundling Tool, Legal Process Checklists, and Customisable Legal Templates. These resources, which are currently under development in collaboration with leading UK legal tech companies, are intended to simplify document management and other legal procedures, helping LiPs manage their cases more effectively. While these tools are in the development phase, they are expected to align closely with the needs of LiPs as we continue to gather feedback and refine their functionalities.
- AI Chatbot for Immediate Assistance: In response to the need for timely support, we are integrating an AI Chatbot into our website. This chatbot, specifically tailored for LiPs navigating the UK legal system, will provide answers to common legal questions and guide users through various scenarios, providing a helpful first step towards finding the right information and resources. The chatbot is being developed with a focus on UK-specific legal processes, terminology, and court procedures, and will be rolled out following extensive testing.
- Expanding Resource Library: Legal Lens is committed to continuously expanding its Resource Library, which will include a searchable database of key legal documents, statutes, guides, toolkits, and educational videos. This library aims to be an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of legal matters. We’re developing specific guides for navigating different UK courts and tribunals, including the County Court, High Court, and various specialist tribunals.
Complementing Existing UK Legal Aid Services
Legal Lens is designed to complement, not replace, existing UK legal aid services. We will work alongside organisations like Support Through Court and AdviceNow, offering additional resources and support to LiPs. Our platform will help individuals determine if they might be eligible for legal aid and guide them towards appropriate services. Given the ongoing challenges in accessing legal aid, initiatives like Legal Lens are essential in filling the gaps left by recent cuts.
Why the Legal Lens Website Matters
The success of Legal Lens relies on the support of the community. Developing comprehensive legal resources online requires a sustained commitment to technology, expert collaboration, and ongoing updates. By engaging with Legal Lens, stakeholders contribute to a more accessible future for justice, where everyone has the tools they need to confidently navigate the legal system.
In 2022, over 50% of family court cases in the UK involved a Litigant in Person, highlighting the critical need for accessible legal resources like those our website will provide. This statistic underscores the importance of platforms like Legal Lens in supporting those who find themselves navigating the legal system without professional representation. Moreover, recent data from the Ministry of Justice shows that LiPs were involved in 88% of private law cases (mainly relating to child arrangements) in England and Wales between January and March 2023.
Conclusion
Legal Lens began as a personal project and has grown into a platform dedicated to empowering Litigants in Person. As we continue to expand and develop new features, we invite you to explore these upcoming tools and share your thoughts on how we can further support LiPs in the UK. Your feedback is invaluable as we work together to make the legal system more accessible.
For more information or to get involved, visit Legal Lens. And as always, I will continue to share insights, updates, and engage with all of you here on LinkedIn, where this journey first began.
#LegalAid #UKLaw #AccessToJustice #LitigantsInPerson #LegalTech #UKCourts
References
GOV.UK (2023) Family Court Statistics Quarterly: January to March 2023. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/family-court-statistics-quarterly-january-to-march-2023 (Accessed: 19 August 2024).
House of Commons Library (2023) Litigants in person: the rise of the self-represented litigant in civil and family cases in England and Wales. Available at: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn07113/ (Accessed: 19 August 2024).
Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, c. 10. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2012/10/contents (Accessed: 19 August 2024).
Ministry of Justice (2023) Legal aid statistics England and Wales bulletin Oct to Dec 2022. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/legal-aid-statistics-quarterly-october-to-december-2022 (Accessed: 19 August 2024).
Solicitors Regulation Authority. Available at: https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/how-we-work/ (Accessed: 19 August 2024).
Bar Standards Board. Available at: https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/about-us.html (Accessed: 19 August 2024).
Support Through Court. Available at: https://www.supportthroughcourt.org/ (Accessed: 19 August 2024).
AdviceNow. Available at: https://www.advicenow.org.uk/ (Accessed: 19 August 2024).