Would online legal services guarantee the availability of justice and legal aid?

Abstract

Traditionally, legal services have been delivered in offices during face-to-face interactions between the lawyer and his client. At the present time, digital technologies have shifted that scheme as it becomes possible to communicate by telephone, with the use of the internet or in a way that involves both. The author rethinks the nature of legal services and provides a framework for understanding further developments. Special attention is focused on assumption that virtual law practice is more than just a sale of legal documents or single online task management because it provides direct and effective communication between a lawyer and a client. The article shows the difference that new technology can make for ensuring easy access to legal aid and justice. The author states that the central role in legal practices modernization belongs to lawyers who should change the way they work and have to embrace innovations. The article introduces all means for delivering legal aid that clearly have the potential to fully transform the legal services market. Also, the author outlines some dangers that may become a serious threats to the new technologies perspectives.