Legal Tech To Increase Access To Justice: A Conversation With Eric Voogt
Access to justice is a persistent challenge in the legal industry. While many focus on legal representation, it’s easy to overlook how foundational processes like service of process contribute to the problem. In Season 10, Episode 5 of “Notes to My (Legal) Self,” 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.
Here are the highlights of our conversation, from embracing change to rethinking the role of paralegals in a tech-driven future.
The Birth Of Legal Innovation
Eric’s journey into legal tech wasn’t planned. As a trial lawyer handling environmental class action cases, he grew frustrated with inefficiencies in serving documents — 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.
But it wasn’t just about solving logistical problems. Eric also saw technology as a way to tackle broader access-to-justice issues. “Too many people with legitimate causes can’t get their day in court because they can’t afford a lawyer,” he said. Proof Technology bridges that gap by making processes more efficient, enabling lawyers to take on more cases — even those with smaller stakes.
Service Of Process: The Overlooked Access-To-Justice Problem
Service of process may seem mundane, but it’s a critical access point in the justice system. For pro se litigants, it’s often a bewildering and insurmountable hurdle. Even for experienced law firms, coordinating multiple service requests across jurisdictions can be a logistical nightmare.
Eric’s platform automates those tasks, connecting users with process servers nationwide while tracking progress in real time. “We’re saving paralegals an average of 1 to 1.5 hours per service request,” Eric explained. “That’s hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual savings for a midsized firm — and that efficiency can be redirected to help more clients.”
The Future Of The Billable Hour
Eric didn’t shy away from addressing a controversial topic: the decline of the billable hour. “Clients are demanding more predictability,” he noted. “The billable hour doesn’t incentivize efficiency, and as AI becomes more prevalent, it’s only going to accelerate this shift.”
He encouraged firms to embrace alternative pricing models, likening them to bidding processes in construction. “We 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.”
Start With Case Management
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. “It’s the foundation for efficiency,” Eric explained. “Once you have it, you can start measuring performance and identifying bottlenecks.”
AI And The Joy Of Practicing Law
Eric was particularly enthusiastic about AI’s 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. “Gone are the days of digging through boxes of dusty documents,” he said. “AI lets you spend your energy on what matters: crafting arguments and winning cases.”
The Role Of Paralegals In A Tech-Driven Future
Eric sees paralegals as key players in driving digital transformation. “They’re the backbone of law firms,” he said. “By adopting technology, you can elevate their role from managing documents to conducting investigations and client interviews. That’s where they can add real value.”
He also supported expanding the scope of paralegal responsibilities, citing states that allow paralegals to handle limited legal tasks under certain conditions. “It’s a win-win,” he said. “You free up lawyers for high-value work while making legal services more accessible.”
Embracing Change
Change isn’t easy, especially in a profession that thrives on tradition. But Eric believes the time to act is now. “AI, 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.”
Take Action
Eric’s advice for lawyers looking to adapt: start small but start now. “Begin with case management software, focus on communication and measurement, and don’t fear technology. It’s here to help us do better — for our clients and for ourselves.”
Watch the full episode of “Notes to My (Legal) Self” for more insights from Eric Voogt on how legal tech is transforming the profession.
P.S.: The future of law isn’t about replacing lawyers — it’s about empowering them to do more. Let’s embrace the change together.
Olga V. Mack 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 Get on Board: Earning Your Ticket to a Corporate Board Seat, Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security, and Blockchain Value: Transforming Business Models, Society, and Communities. She is working on three books: Visual IQ for Lawyers (ABA 2024), The 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 LinkedIn and Twitter @olgavmack.
