Highlight: 'Archaic processes' contributed to lack of access to justice

Overloaded courts, expenses and “lengthy and archaic processes” have contributed to a lack of access of justice, according to barrister and 2021 Most Influential Lawyer Laura Keily.

“Since entering the legal industry in 1998, I’ve seen the legal system become increasingly inaccessible for many people and businesses across Australia,” she told Australasian Lawyer. “In my view, access to justice that cannot be afforded is not access to justice at all.”

Infusing technology into the profession became a solution, as the COVID-19 pandemic proved when it forced the profession to drastically change the way it worked.

“I knew technology and a new way of thinking could transform access to justice, and the rise of COVID-19 in 2020 only validated this as courthouses shuttered, forcing 100% of disputes to be resolved via online means almost overnight,” Keily explained. “I’ve also witnessed the growth and proliferation of technology across all aspects of life, and the potential it has in bringing greater efficiency and accessibility to how we practice law.”

This was the driving force behind Keily’s launch of online dispute resolution platform Immediation. She pointed out that for small businesses, the process of resolving disputes is “at times is much more than the value of the dispute itself and can be incredibly detrimental to business relationships.”

“As virtual justice becomes normalised, law firms will need to adapt and take up purpose-built technologies quickly to ensure they are serving clients efficiently in a remote or hybrid workforce,” she said.

“I believe alternative dispute resolution systems will also become increasingly important as more disputes and claims are raised and resolved outside of the court system.”

Laura Keily was named among the 2021 Most Influential Lawyers in Australia by Australasian Lawyer.