Document Type
Report
Publication Date
3-16-2026
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers opportunities to meaningfully narrow the access to justice gap by improving the ability of Legal Services Organizations (LSOs) to connect individuals with pro se resources and more effectively connect with individuals who could not otherwise advocate for themselves. Some LSO early adopters have already developed or are in the process of developing such tools. Others are unsure where or how to start.
The results of semi-structured interviews of LSO staff, technology vendors, and leaders/experts in fall 2025 provide information that may assist LSOs in responsibly integrating AI-tools into their triage and intake systems. This paper includes an overview of existing projects, projects in progress, infrastructural needs, and special considerations to make before beginning tool development. It concludes with a discussion on resources available to support organizations for implementation, suggestions for needed research to further access to justice goals, and a shortlist of best practices.
Repository Citation
Heidi Behnke, Innovating for Access: AI-Enhanced Triage & Intake for Legal Services Organizations (2026)