{"id":112821,"date":"2025-03-31T15:04:11","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T23:04:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2025\/03\/31\/legal-tech-to-increase-access-to-justice-a-conversation-with-eric-voogt\/"},"modified":"2025-03-31T15:04:11","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T23:04:11","slug":"legal-tech-to-increase-access-to-justice-a-conversation-with-eric-voogt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2025\/03\/31\/legal-tech-to-increase-access-to-justice-a-conversation-with-eric-voogt\/","title":{"rendered":"Legal Tech To Increase Access To Justice: A Conversation With Eric Voogt"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"lady-justice-g9a1c9e23d_1920\"Access to justice is a persistent challenge in the legal industry. While many focus on legal representation, it\u2019s easy to overlook how foundational processes like service of process contribute to the problem. In<\/span> Season 10, Episode 5 of <\/span>\u201c<\/span><\/i>Notes to My (Legal) Self<\/span><\/a>,\u201d I sat down with Eric Voogt, trial lawyer and CEO of Proof Technology, to discuss how legal tech can revolutionize the practice of law and increase access to justice.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Here are the highlights of our conversation, from embracing change to rethinking the role of paralegals in a tech-driven future.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Birth Of Legal Innovation<\/b><\/p>\n

Eric\u2019s journey into legal tech wasn\u2019t planned. As a trial lawyer handling environmental class action cases, he grew frustrated with inefficiencies in serving documents \u2014 a process that eats into time and resources at the earliest stages of litigation. This frustration led him to create Proof Technology, which streamlines service of process with AI and real-time tracking.<\/span><\/p>\n

But it wasn\u2019t just about solving logistical problems. Eric also saw technology as a way to tackle broader access-to-justice issues. \u201cToo many people with legitimate causes can\u2019t get their day in court because they can\u2019t afford a lawyer,\u201d he said. Proof Technology bridges that gap by making processes more efficient, enabling lawyers to take on more cases \u2014 even those with smaller stakes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Service Of Process: The Overlooked Access-To-Justice Problem<\/b><\/p>\n

Service of process may seem mundane, but it\u2019s a critical access point in the justice system. For pro se litigants, it\u2019s often a bewildering and insurmountable hurdle. Even for experienced law firms, coordinating multiple service requests across jurisdictions can be a logistical nightmare.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eric\u2019s platform automates those tasks, connecting users with process servers nationwide while tracking progress in real time. \u201cWe\u2019re saving paralegals an average of 1 to 1.5 hours per service request,\u201d Eric explained. \u201cThat\u2019s hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual savings for a midsized firm \u2014 and that efficiency can be redirected to help more clients.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Future Of The Billable Hour<\/b><\/p>\n

Eric didn\u2019t shy away from addressing a controversial topic: the decline of the billable hour. \u201cClients are demanding more predictability,\u201d he noted. \u201cThe billable hour doesn\u2019t incentivize efficiency, and as AI becomes more prevalent, it\u2019s only going to accelerate this shift.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He encouraged firms to embrace alternative pricing models, likening them to bidding processes in construction. \u201cWe need to think in terms of milestones and change orders. Technology can help us estimate costs more accurately, which builds trust and delivers better value to clients.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Start With Case Management<\/b><\/p>\n

When asked how firms should begin their tech transformation, Eric had one clear answer: invest in case management software. A robust platform centralizes communication, streamlines workflows, and provides insights into case metrics. \u201cIt\u2019s the foundation for efficiency,\u201d Eric explained. \u201cOnce you have it, you can start measuring performance and identifying bottlenecks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

AI And The Joy Of Practicing Law<\/b><\/p>\n

Eric was particularly enthusiastic about AI\u2019s potential to transform litigation. From summarizing depositions to analyzing evidence, AI tools are reducing the tedium of legal work and enabling lawyers to focus on strategy. \u201cGone are the days of digging through boxes of dusty documents,\u201d he said. \u201cAI lets you spend your energy on what matters: crafting arguments and winning cases.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Role Of Paralegals In A Tech-Driven Future<\/b><\/p>\n

Eric sees paralegals as key players in driving digital transformation. \u201cThey\u2019re the backbone of law firms,\u201d he said. \u201cBy adopting technology, you can elevate their role from managing documents to conducting investigations and client interviews. That\u2019s where they can add real value.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He also supported expanding the scope of paralegal responsibilities, citing states that allow paralegals to handle limited legal tasks under certain conditions. \u201cIt\u2019s a win-win,\u201d he said. \u201cYou free up lawyers for high-value work while making legal services more accessible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Embracing Change<\/b><\/p>\n

Change isn\u2019t easy, especially in a profession that thrives on tradition. But Eric believes the time to act is now. \u201cAI, the pandemic, and the Great Resignation have shown us the power of technology. If we embrace it, we can serve more clients, make law more accessible, and thrive as a profession.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Take Action<\/b><\/p>\n

Eric\u2019s advice for lawyers looking to adapt: start small but start now. \u201cBegin with case management software, focus on communication and measurement, and don\u2019t fear technology. It\u2019s here to help us do better \u2014 for our clients and for ourselves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Watch the full episode of<\/span> \u201cNotes to My (Legal) Self<\/span><\/a>\u201d for more insights from Eric Voogt on how legal tech is transforming the profession.<\/span><\/p>\n

P.S.: The future of law isn\u2019t about replacing lawyers \u2014 it\u2019s about empowering them to do more. Let\u2019s embrace the change together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\"OlgaOlga V. Mack <\/em><\/strong>is a Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, and a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT. Olga embraces legal innovation and had dedicated her career to improving and shaping the future of law. She is convinced that the legal profession will emerge even stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive than before by embracing technology. Olga is also an award-winning general counsel, operations professional, startup advisor, public speaker, adjunct professor, and entrepreneur. She authored\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Get on Board: Earning Your Ticket to a Corporate Board Seat<\/em><\/strong><\/a>,\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, and\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Blockchain Value: Transforming Business Models, Society, and Communities<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.\u00a0She is working on three books: <\/em><\/strong>Visual IQ for Lawyers (ABA 2024),\u00a0The Rise of Product Lawyers: An Analytical Framework to Systematically Advise Your Clients Throughout the Product Lifecycle (Globe Law and Business 2024), and Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data (Globe Law and Business 2024). You can follow Olga on <\/em><\/strong>LinkedIn<\/em><\/strong><\/a> and Twitter @olgavmack.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The post Legal Tech To Increase Access To Justice: A Conversation With Eric Voogt<\/a> appeared first on Above the Law<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"lady-justice-g9a1c9e23d_1920\"Access to justice is a persistent challenge in the legal industry. While many focus on legal representation, it\u2019s easy to overlook how foundational processes like service of process contribute to the problem. In Season 10, Episode 5 of \u201c<\/i>Notes to My (Legal) Self<\/a>,\u201d I sat down with Eric Voogt, trial lawyer and CEO of Proof Technology, to discuss how legal tech can revolutionize the practice of law and increase access to justice.<\/p>\n