Whether you are enjoying the last waves of summer or dreaming of them. . .
Diversity on the Digital Wave: Catalyzing Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Justice through Digital Transformation
Digital transformation in law and justice isn’t just about new technology—it’s about seeing challenges and developing solutions through new lenses. Similarly, diversity, equity, and inclusion urge us to appreciate and incorporate a multitude of perspectives. When combined, these two paradigms have the potential to reshape our societal frameworks and foster a more inclusive future.
Diving Deeper, Digital Transformation in Law and Justice Can Promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion by:
Empowering Diverse Voices to construct new digital justice and legal systems, solutions, and products, while addressing systemicinequality inherent in today’s systems.
Expanding access to law and justice by leveraging technology such as artificial intelligence to extend reach and customize solutions.
Engaging more people from different backgrounds in the design of the justice and legal services and products they need.
Making law more inclusive by providing new ways for people with diverse abilities to access information on their legal rights.
Expanding access to the legal profession through digital avenues that reduce barriers to legal education and qualification.
Offering flexible career pathways to attract and retain diverse individuals in the legal field.
Building tailored work environments aligned with the needs of diverse individuals.
Navigating: Threats & Challenges
Digital transformation and emerging technology such as artificial intelligence also poses significant threats including exclusion and isolation of those who lack access to or are unable to use technology, online violence, and increased bias and discrimination. Women face pronounced vulnerabilities. For instance, an Economist Intelligence Unit study found that 38% of women in over 50 countries experienced online violence. In the legal and justice tech fields, women face a myriad of barriers-—predictably as digital transformation in law occurs at the nexus of three male dominated sectors — tech, law, and finance. Notably, in the U.S. just 21% of legal tech companies are led by women founders; in Europe, its 16%.[1] Gender gaps in venture capital where women comprise a mere 10% of the sector negatively impact investment in women-led companies further amplifying barriers to participation and success.
Why it Matters:
Building new systems and solutions presents a historic opportunity to algin them with the needs of people who use them while addressing bias and inequality in current systems.
Architects of emerging digital systems and solutions such as those using artificial intelligence will profoundly influence how we access law and justice in the future. We must ensure innovation and transformation are guided by principles of inclusion, diversity and equity.
Digital transformation and growing fields such as artificial intelligence hold substantial economic opportunity, if targeted effectively, to empower diverse people around the world.
Steps to Foster Diversity in Digital Transformation in Law:
Education for All: Support diverse individuals’ access to education in digital skills and emerging technology such as artificial intelligence.
Inclusion in Innovation: Ensure diverse participation in every innovation and digital initiative.
Invest in Diversity and for Equity: Increase investment in diverse entrepreneurs.
Elevate Diverse Leaders: Spotlight diverse justice and legal innovation leaders in publications and on social media. Invite them to speak at events and appoint them to your boards and bodies working on governance of emerging tech such as artificial intelligence.
Champion Inclusive, Equitable AI: Develop understanding and awareness of equitable AI and advocate for responsible that is inclusive.
Harness Existing Strategies: Utilize strategies and tools for promoting diversity and inclusion such as professional association campaigns, allyship initiatives, and affinity programs specifically for digital transformation in law and justice.
Use Buying Power: Business and government can support DEI through procurement and spending. Consumers can research providers and vendors of legal products and services to inform their choices.
How will you capitalize on the wave of opportunity to imbue the digital future of law and justice with diversity and equity?
[1] ALTA, “Diversity in Legal Tech: It’s time for action,”2021.
