The pilot program is open to all legal tech service providers in the province
The Law Society of Ontario has officially launched its Access to Innovation (A21) project, a pilot program aimed at enabling providers of innovative technological services (ITLS) “to serve Ontario consumers while complying with risk-based public protection standards.”
The LSO is now accepting applications for the five-year project, which is open to ITLS providers performing legal functions. According to the group’s website, those who wish to take part in the initiative “must demonstrate that they provide a sufficient quality of service while mitigating risks of harm to consumers.”
Legal professionals, including licensed lawyers and paralegals, non-licensed individuals, law firms and not-for-profit organizations, can sign up for the program.
“The A2I project benefits Ontarians, legal service providers and the Law Society,” said LSO chief executive officer Diana Miles in a statement. “By offering new ways to reach consumers, while protecting the public, A2I opens up avenues for improved access to justice.”
Once their application is approved, A2I participants can provide services in Ontario for a specified period. During this time, the ITLS providers must comply with the LSO operating conditions and reporting requirements to protect the public and to operate their tool or program in the province; they must also have obtained all other applicable permissions, including business permits.
“In addition to supporting providers of technological legal services with a framework to develop responsible and innovative tools, the A2I project helps legal professionals understand the opportunities associated with ITLS and how they can enhance their work by using, adapting to, or developing their own ITLS tools,” Miles added.
Interested parties can access the complete eligibility requirements and details about the application process on the project’s official webpage. They can also join A21’s mailing list to receive program updates and information about future events by emailing to [email protected].
The Law Foundation of Ontario partly funds the A21 project.
