Founded by Matthew Bady, a Registered Nurse who personally navigated a board complaint process, BoardWise is built from lived experience. After witnessing the stress, confusion, and financial burden that board investigations place on hardworking professionals, Matt developed a platform that he wished had existed during his own experience. Describing BoardWise as “the TurboTax of Professional License Defense,” the company provides a guided, step-by-step process that helps professionals organize their case, draft professional responses, and protect their licenses – all at a fraction of the cost of traditional legal representation.

1. What is your company’s mission?

BoardWise is a digital suite that helps licensed professionals understand and respond to complaints from their licensing boards clearly, quickly, privately, and affordably. We are the TurboTax of Professional License Defense!

2. What inspired you to start your company?

I am an experienced RN who went through a Board complaint process.

3. What problem are you solving?

Hundreds of thousands of professionals deal with complaints from licensing boards annually without meaningful support because they cannot afford attorneys. But these complaints can turn serious– especially if answered inappropriately.

4. Who are your customers?

Licensed professionals with a licensing board complaint.

5. What is your business model?

$499 one-time payment for lifetime access or $167/month for three months = lifetime access.

6. What is your company’s most significant achievement to date?

We’ve launched, have sales, and are rapidly pursuing IP, strategic partners, and significant funding. Most of all, this mission means everything to licensed professionals who have never before had this kind of software built just for them.

7. What are your goals for the next year?

Scale and secure significant funding.

8. What is your biggest challenge?

Securing funding that supports growth.

9. What does “justice tech” mean to you?

Justice tech means that everyone gets a seat at the table– whether they can afford a lawyer or not (most cannot). At its core, justice tech protects our democracy and the rule of law.

10. Why did you join JTA, and what do you love about being part of it?

The collaborative environment of JTA, combined with visionary members, really speaks to my company and mission – we are truly trying to change justice for our users.

11. Share another organization you love that is working to bridge the Access to Justice Gap, and why.

I like the IAALS mission, which appears to be focused on breaking down the systemic legal barriers to this kind of innovation– protecting everyone’s access to justice and equality under the law.

12. How can people learn more about your company?

BoardWise is developing at lightning speed! The best way to keep up is by visiting our website for our latest blog posts, projects, partners, initiatives, and other updates. Currently, BoardWise is intentionally not found on traditional social media platforms. Moreover, questions are always accepted via our contact form or email: support@boardwise.online.

The post Member Spotlight: BoardWise first appeared on Justice Tech Association.

Led by Executive Director Erica Nelson, LIFT uses its Legal Tune Up tool and mobile clinics to empower Wisconsinites: giving them the ability to check and resolve civil legal issues from criminal records to child‑support orders, without needing to hire an attorney. Through tech, training, and community partnerships, LIFT Wisconsin is giving people a clear path forward.

1. What is your company’s mission?

LIFT Wisconsin provides efficient, innovative technology-driven assistance that dismantles the legal barriers preventing Wisconsinites from achieving economic stability. Through our commitment to improving access to justice for everyone, we transform and reform legal systems, increase personal agency, and democratize data.

2. What inspired you to start your company?

LIFT Wisconsin was created by several Dane County non-profit organizations in 2020 to help increase economic prosperity and social justice for Wisconsin residents by removing legal barriers. Now, we collaborate with multiple partners to achieve our mission and expand our reach to provide services in every corner of Wisconsin. We do this through in-person clinics, by training justice navigators, and developing the LegalTuneUp tool.

3. What problem are you solving?

We envision a world without legal barriers. And that means empowering and strengthening communities at the root by using technology to interrupt the poverty machine.

4. Who are your customers?

Wisconsinites who face a civil legal barrier they can’t solve because they don’t know about it or can’t afford an attorney. Examples include: driver’s license restoration, changing child support orders, removing criminal and eviction records, and answering debt claims.

5. What is your business model?

We deliver services through a free DIY, web-based app that is the only one of its kind in the country that combines data sources from multiple agencies into one place. As a 501c3 nonprofit, we stay sustainable through grants and donations.

6. What is your company’s most significant achievement to date?

Our Legal Tune Up Tool hit 15,000 active users in 2024!

7. What are your goals for the next year?

We hope to launch a new module in 2026 in our Legal Tune Up Tool, a power of attorney for healthcare directives. When this is live, anyone in Wisconsin could be walked through simple steps on our free DIY web app to create a power of attorney for healthcare, download it, and sign it!

8. What is your biggest challenge?

Funding. With Legal Services Corporation funding drying up at the federal level, and Wisconsin being one of the only states not to fund civil legal aid at the state level, we rely on grants and private donors to spread the word about our app and keep improving it.

9. What does “justice tech” mean to you?

Using technology to improve access to justice. It’s important to make our legal system more accessible, fair, and efficient for everyone – because access to justice shouldn’t depend on what’s in someone’s wallet.

10. Why did you join JTA, and what do you love about being part of it?

We share a mission with JTA and its members: using tech to enable access to justice for all. We hope to share what’s worked well in Wisconsin with other states looking to build a similar model.

11. Share another organization you love that is working to bridge the Access to Justice Gap, and why.

Unlocked Labs! They do similar work as our partner EXPO, and we admire both organizations’ efforts to invite the participation of those with lived experience in our justice system.

12. How can people learn more about your company?

Learn more at www.liftwisconsin.org.

Connect with Erica Nelson on LinkedIn.

Follow and connect with LIFT Wisconsin across social media:

LIFT Wisconsin on Facebook

LIFT Wisconsin on Instagram

LIFT Wisconsin on YouTube

LIFT Wisconsin on TikTok

LIFT Wisconsin on Threads

LIFT Wisconsin on LinkedIn

LIFT Wisconsin on Bluesky 

The post JTA Member Spotlight: LIFT Wisconsin first appeared on Justice Tech Association.

Brandon Burns founded Thurgood to bridge the gap between everyday people and the justice system. With a background that spans law, skilled trades, and product design, Brandon is building a tool that helps victims of workplace discrimination understand their rights and take action. In this spotlight, he shares more about what inspired Thurgood, the progress they’ve made, and where they’re headed next.

1. What is your company’s mission?

At Thurgood, we’re on a mission to make the law work for everyone, especially for people who have been victims of discrimination in the workplace. We use AI to help individuals understand whether they have a legal claim and what they can do about it. Our goal is to reduce the time, cost, and confusion involved in getting legal support, and to help people feel empowered – not powerless – in the face of injustice.

2. What inspired you to start your company?

I actually started in law school, but I left to pursue a career in the skilled trades. That experience gave me a new perspective on access to justice. I met so many hardworking people who had clearly been treated unfairly but didn’t have the time, money, or knowledge to fight back. That stuck with me. I wanted to create something that could meet people where they are – something simple, clear, and effective. Thurgood is a response to that need.

3. What problem are you solving?

Legal services are often out of reach for people who need them most. Filing a discrimination claim is complex and time-consuming, and it can be hard to even know if you have a case. We’re solving that by offering a fast, AI-driven way to evaluate whether someone has a potential claim and guiding them on what to do next. It’s about reducing friction in the process and helping people take action with confidence.

4. Who are your customers?

We serve individuals who believe they’ve been discriminated against at work, whether that’s based on race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics. We also work with law firms that are looking for more efficient ways to evaluate claims. Our platform helps firms screen leads and helps individuals get clarity on their options. It’s a win-win.

5. What is your business model?

Thurgood is a privately held company. We offer our services directly to consumers, individuals who need help evaluating a claim, and we also partner with law firms to provide claim screening tools. For individuals, we aim to keep our pricing simple and affordable. For firms, we help improve intake and save time. Our approach is about creating value on both sides of the justice equation.

6. What is your company’s most significant achievement to date?

In 2024, we won the Grand Prize at LexLab’s Justice Tech Demo Day at UC Law, San Francisco. That was a huge moment for us – not just because of the recognition, but because it showed that people understand and believe in what we’re building. It gave us validation that the justice tech community sees this problem as urgent and sees our approach as part of the solution.

7. What are your goals for the next year?

Our biggest goal is to continue growing the impact of our AI. We want to improve its accuracy, expand the types of discrimination it can evaluate, and build out new features to help people take the next steps after they’ve been screened. We also want to scale our partnerships with firms and community organizations, so we can reach more people, faster. We believe we can significantly reduce the time it takes to get legal support and increase the number of people who actually move forward with claims.

8. What is your biggest challenge?

Keeping up with changes in employment law is a big challenge, and making sure our AI reflects those changes accurately and fairly. We’re tackling that by working closely with legal experts, updating our models regularly, and stress-testing the platform with a wide range of scenarios. It’s a moving target, but we take that responsibility seriously.

9. What does “justice tech” mean to you?

To me, justice tech means using the tools of today – AI, data, automation – to solve the systemic problems of yesterday. It’s not just about digitizing legal services; it’s about rethinking the system so that people without privilege or power can still access justice. It’s about fairness, speed, and dignity.

10. Why did you join JTA, and what do you love about being part of it?

I joined JTA because I wanted to be in community with others who are thinking deeply and creatively about access to justice. It’s been great to connect with founders and organizations who are tackling different parts of the same problem. It feels less like a competitive space and more like a movement. The collaboration and shared learning have been invaluable.

11. Share another organization you love that is working to bridge the Access to Justice Gap, and why.

One organization I really admire is fellow JTA Member Your Case Plan – they are doing important work in the family law space, helping parents navigate the complexities of custody planning with clarity and support. They are a great example of justice tech rooted in real-life needs.

12. How can people learn more about your company?

You can learn more by visiting www.askthurgood.com. Whether you’re someone facing workplace discrimination or a law firm looking to improve your intake process, we’d love to connect.

Thurgood is helping to close the justice gap by making it easier for people to understand their rights and take action after facing discrimination at work. Their AI-powered approach offers a new path forward for those who might otherwise be left out of the legal system. Thurgood’s commitment to bridging the justice gap aligns with the values of the Justice Technology Association.

Learn more at www.askthurgood.com

Connect with Brandon Burns on LinkedIn

The post JTA Member Spotlight: Thurgood first appeared on Justice Tech Association.

1. What is your company’s mission?

At Contend, our mission is simple: we want to make legal help accessible and affordable for everyone. The legal system is complicated and expensive, and we believe technology can change that.

2. What inspired you to start your company?

After years working in and around the legal system, Will and I kept seeing the same pattern: people with real problems were falling through the cracks because they couldn’t afford a lawyer or didn’t know where to start. We wanted to build something that helped people understand their rights and take action, without needing to jump through hoops or break the bank.

3. What problem are you solving?

We’re tackling the gap between people and legal support. Most people either can’t afford legal help or don’t know where to find it. Contend gives them instant information about their rights and options through a simple AI chat. It’s not about replacing lawyers – it’s about helping people get unstuck and take that first step with confidence.

4. Who are your customers?

Right now, we serve people in the UK dealing with all kinds of legal issues – housing and tenancy, employment, divorce and family law, money and debt, and more. These are everyday problems that affect millions of people, and our goal is to be there when they need help.

5. What is your business model?

We offer direct-to-consumer legal assistance through our AI platform. People can access help starting at £29 a month – with no hidden fees or unexpected subscriptions. And if they’re not satisfied, we offer a full refund. It’s about making legal support both trustworthy and affordable.

6. What is your company’s most significant achievement to date?

We’ve now answered over 125,000 legal questions across the UK, which really shows how strong the need is – and how much our service is resonating with people. We also recently secured pre-seed funding from The LegalTech Fund and Supernode Global. That support is helping us expand our legal coverage, improve our AI, and continue building a product that people can rely on.

7. What are your goals for the next year?

We’re focused on expanding our reach and continuing to grow the impact of our platform. That means building out support for more areas of law, improving the user experience, and making sure more people can access the help they need, when they need it.

8. What is your biggest challenge?

One of our biggest ongoing challenges is making sure our AI stays up-to-date with the latest laws and regulations. Legal systems change all the time, and it’s important that the information we give people is not just accessible, but accurate.

9. What does “justice tech” mean to you?

To me, justice tech means using technology to close the gap between people and the legal support they deserve. It’s about removing barriers, creating options, and giving people the tools they need to navigate a system that can feel overwhelming or out of reach.

10. Why did you join JTA, and what do you love about being part of it?

We joined JTA to be part of a community of builders and advocates working toward a more equitable justice system. It’s energizing to be in conversation with others who are tackling these problems from different angles. We’ve learned a lot, made valuable connections, and continue to be inspired by the creativity and commitment in this space.

11. Share another organization you love that is working to bridge the Access to Justice Gap, and why.

We’ve always been impressed by the team at Citizens Advice, specifically Stuart Pearson and the rest of the team working on Caddy. Citizens Advice is the UK’s largest legal advice charity, and Stu’s team is doing exciting work at the intersection of AI & justice.

12. How can people learn more about your company?

You can visit us at www.contend.legal to learn more, try out the platform, or get in touch. We’re always happy to connect.

Contend Legal is helping pave the way toward more accessible and affordable legal support. By using AI to simplify how people get help with everyday legal problems, the team at Contend is making a real impact for those navigating a system that can feel overwhelming. Their commitment to streamlining the legal process and addressing the barriers individuals face in seeking legal advice exemplifies the mission of the Justice Technology Association.

Learn more at www.contend.legal

Connect with Michael Stych and William Boan on LinkedIn

The post JTA Member Spotlight: Contend first appeared on Justice Tech Association.

Their platform combines legal education, AI-driven guidance, and user-centered design to make justice more accessible for people often left out of the system. In this Member Spotlight, the Courtroom5 team shares the inspiration behind their work, their impact, and where they’re headed next.

1. What is your company’s mission?

At Courtroom5, our mission is to democratize access to justice by empowering individuals to represent themselves effectively in court. We provide tools and resources that enable users to interpret, apply, and argue the law confidently, ensuring everyone can advocate for their rights without the prohibitive costs of legal representation.​

2. What inspired you to start your company?

The inspiration for Courtroom5 stemmed from personal experiences navigating the legal system without adequate representation. Facing the complexities and challenges firsthand highlighted the significant barriers many individuals encounter when seeking justice. This motivated us to create a platform that simplifies the legal process, making it more accessible and manageable for those who choose or need to represent themselves.​

3. What problem are you solving?

We address the justice gap faced by self-represented litigants who often lack the resources, knowledge, and support to navigate the legal system effectively. By offering a comprehensive suite of tools, including AI-driven guidance and educational resources, Courtroom5 equips users with the necessary skills to manage their legal matters confidently and competently.​

4. Who are your customers?

Our customers are individuals who are representing themselves in civil court cases, often due to financial constraints or a desire for autonomy in their legal matters. They come from diverse backgrounds but share a common need for accessible, reliable, and user-friendly legal support tools.​

5. What is your business model?

Courtroom5 operates on a tiered subscription model, offering various levels of access to our legal toolkit and resources. This structure allows users to choose the plan that best fits their needs and budget, ensuring flexibility and affordability.​

6. What is your company’s most significant achievement to date?

One of our most significant achievements is the successful empowerment of thousands of individuals to represent themselves in court confidently. Our platform has not only provided the necessary tools and knowledge but has also instilled a sense of agency and self-reliance in our users, contributing to a more equitable legal system.​

7. What are your goals for the next year?

In the coming year, we aim to expand our reach by enhancing our platform’s features, incorporating more advanced AI capabilities, and forging partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to access to justice. We also plan to increase our educational outreach to better support our users throughout their legal journeys.​

8. What is your biggest challenge?

Our primary challenge lies in raising awareness about the availability and efficacy of self-representation tools. Many individuals are unaware that such resources exist or doubt their ability to navigate the legal system without traditional representation. Overcoming this perception and building trust in our platform is an ongoing effort.​

9. What does “justice tech” mean to you?

Justice tech represents the intersection of technology and legal access, aiming to bridge the gap between complex legal systems and the individuals they serve. It’s about leveraging innovative solutions to make justice more accessible, equitable, and efficient for all, particularly those traditionally underserved by the legal system.​

10. Why did you join the Justice Technology Association?

We joined the Justice Technology Association to collaborate with like-minded organizations and individuals dedicated to transforming the legal landscape. Being part of this community allows us to share insights, learn from others, and collectively advocate for a more just and accessible legal system through technological innovation.​

11. How can people learn more about your company?

To learn more about Courtroom5 and how we can assist you in your legal journey, please visit our website at www.courtroom5.com. Here, you’ll find detailed information about our services, resources, and how to get started.

Courtroom5 is reshaping what’s possible for self-represented litigants – and for the justice system as a whole. We’re proud to count Sonja, Debra, and the Courtroom5 team among the changemakers helping to build a more equitable future through innovative technology.

Learn more at www.courtroom5.com
Connect with Sonja Ebron and Debra Slone on LinkedIn

The post JTA Member Spotlight: Courtroom5 first appeared on Justice Tech Association.

Founded to address the challenges non-professional fiduciaries face, Advocord provides the tools and support needed to confidently fulfill legal obligations. By simplifying fiduciary management, Advocord ensures that those stepping up for their loved ones can do so with clarity and confidence.

In this Member Spotlight, we hear directly from Advocord’s Founder & CEO, Nancy Meyers, about the company’s mission, inspiration, and impact.

What does your organization do?

Advocord helps non-professionals understand and manage their fiduciary duties when they are legally responsible for the finances and care of incapacitated individuals.

Why did you pick this problem to solve?

For more than 20 years, I have represented individuals acting as an Agent under Powers of Attorney or as a court-appointed guardian. These well-meaning people are not given the education and software tools to help them confidently manage their duties, yet they are held to the same standards as professional fiduciaries.

Share another Justice Tech org you love and why.

It’s hard to pick one! I am impressed with what Brandon Burns at Thurgood is doing. However, I can really relate to Hello Divorce since our origin stories are probably the most similar.

Of JTA’s Mission, Purpose, and Values, which drew you most to JTA, and how does your work address them?

At Advocord, we are looking to level the playing field between professional fiduciaries and regular people who are stepping up to help out a loved one. That is in perfect alignment with JTA’s mission to assist individuals who are interacting with the legal system.

Where can we learn more about Advocord?

Learn more on Advocord’s website or connect with Advocord on LinkedIn.

The post JTA Member Spotlight: Advocord first appeared on Justice Tech Association.

Founded by DeAngelo Smith, Driven provides innovative payment solutions that make it easier for individuals to resolve traffic tickets, fines, and other court-related costs, helping them regain financial stability and stay on the road legally. Previously known as Ticket Avengers, Driven has evolved to tackle broader financial justice challenges while staying true to its mission of making legal and financial systems more accessible.

What does your organization do?

Driven is an alternative credit solution helping people manage unexpected legal expenses—starting with traffic tickets. We provide interest-free installment plans that prevent license suspensions, probation, and jail, keeping people financially and legally secure.

Why did you pick this problem to solve?

Unpaid fines can spiral into job loss, debt, or incarceration, disproportionately impacting underserved communities. Driven creates a fairer system by giving people flexible payment options so financial hardship doesn’t lead to life-altering consequences.

Share another Justice Tech org you love, and why.

TurnSignl is doing critical work by providing real-time legal guidance during police stops. Access to immediate legal support can be life-changing and prevent unnecessary escalations.

Of JTA’s Mission, Purpose, and Values, which drew you most to JTA, and how does your work address them?

JTA’s mission to use technology for justice aligns with ours. Driven removes financial barriers to legal compliance, ensuring people aren’t punished simply for lacking immediate cash.

Where can we learn more about Driven?

Learn more on Driven’s website or connect with Driven on LinkedIn.

The post JTA Member Spotlight: Driven first appeared on Justice Tech Association.

Member Favorites:

• Networking Opportunities: Our member forums and events have consistently been highlighted as valuable opportunities for networking and learning from experts. Members appreciate connecting with peers, sharing insights, and collaborating on projects. As one member put it, “JTA introduced us to other legal tech companies, and the networking has been incredibly beneficial.”
• Practical Resources: Many of you have found our guides, templates, and success stories extremely useful. These resources have helped organizations navigate challenges and achieve their goals more effectively.
• Community Support: Our members truly value the sense of community within JTA. Whether through forums, events, social media, or our Slack channel, connecting with others who share similar goals and challenges is a major benefit.

Looking Forward: As we move forward, we’re committed to further enhancing these benefits. 

Here’s what you can expect:

• More focused events with networking opportunities, including investors and media
• A comprehensive and growing list of benefits that we refine in response to current challenges experienced by our members.
• A growing database of templates and other resources that will make the most of our shared knowledge
• Regular member updates to take advantage of new benefits 
• Networking events, including in-person events! 

Our mission is to support justice tech companies every step of the way. We continually enhance and fine-tune our offerings to ensure JTA effectively accelerates the sector’s growth and enables increased access to justice. 

We are incredibly excited about the future of JTA and the member-driven value we deliver. We love our members and delivering what these change makers need!

The post Justice Tech Insights, Part 3: Benefits That Make a Difference first appeared on Justice Tech Association.

Common Challenges: During our conversations, several key challenges emerged that are common across many of our member organizations:

• Funding and Financial Support: Securing funding is a significant hurdle for many justice tech organizations. Members shared their struggles navigating the funding landscape, particularly in convincing government agencies and other entities to invest in new initiatives.
• Visibility and Marketing: Increasing visibility and reaching the right audience is another common challenge. Many members shared they were testing alternate forms of marketing strategy to raise awareness of their products and services in a B2C market.
• Navigating Regulations: Operating within a regulated environment can be daunting, especially for startups. Members highlighted the complexities of compliance and the need for clearer guidance from regulatory bodies invested in closing the justice gap. 

Our Approach: We continually refine support mechanisms for our members and are fine-tuning and revisiting our benefits to address their challenges on the ground. 

• Network Expansion: Members are plugged into a vast network of like-minded individuals, industry leaders, policy advocates, and investors. We provide warm intros to investors and accelerators, and our ecosystem unlocks collaboration, partnerships, and mentoring opportunities.
• Expanded Visibility: Members are shortlisted for media opportunities, speaking engagements, and contributions to industry thought leadership and are regularly featured on JTA online platforms.
• Collaborative Opportunities: JTA provides a platform to engage with industry stakeholders, including accelerators and broader initiatives, to capitalize on opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange, amplify impact, and use our strong collective voice for reform advocacy.
• Support and Resources: Members tap into a wealth of resources from pro bono coaching, mentoring, and software/services discounts to research efforts, educational content, and insights on justice tech-specific industry trends like generative AI and regulatory reform to help overcome obstacles, scale effectively, and increase impact. We convene monthly on topics critical to your growth and market landscape.

In our final post, we’ll celebrate some of our JTA members’ favorite benefits and share how we’re enhancing these offerings to provide even greater value.

The post Justice Tech Insights, Part 2: Tackling Challenges Together first appeared on Justice Tech Association.

Listening to Our Members: The primary goal of our outreach program was simple: to listen. We wanted to understand the unique challenges faced by our members right now, identify the benefits they value most, and discover areas where we can improve.

What Justice Tech Entrepreneurs Need Now

• Networking and Community Engagement:  81% of our members emphasized the importance of connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations. The ability to network, share experiences, and collaborate on common goals within our ecosystem was a recurring theme.
• Resource Accessibility: Direct and ready access to practical, easy-to-use resources was highlighted as a crucial benefit. 69% of our members expressed a desire for guides, templates, and success stories to help them navigate their specific challenges.
• Tailored Support: Personalized assistance and targeted resources were also frequently mentioned. Whether it’s funding advice, marketing strategies, or regulatory guidance, members seek support that directly addresses their unique situations.

Our members are change makers bringing transformative progress to access to justice through technology, and we are committed to supporting their startup journey in all possible ways. In Part 2 of our blog series, we’ll dive deeper into our members’ specific challenges and how JTA plans to address these challenges head-on.

The post Justice Tech Insights, Part 1: What Founders Need  first appeared on Justice Tech Association.