Pro Bono Practice: Using AI Tools Can Maximize Impact and Minimize Costs

As a young lawyer, you probably wear a lot of hats: advocate, negotiator, strategist—and if you are taking on pro bono work, superhero. The truth is that even superheroes need sidekicks. That’s where artificial intelligence (AI) tools come in.

Affordable and user-friendly, AI tools can streamline repetitive tasks, enhance client services, and extend your reach. These tools empower lawyers to achieve more with fewer resources, making them particularly valuable for pro bono and civil legal service practices.

AI Tools to Supercharge Your Pro Bono Practice

Here are some standout tools that can save you time, energy, and money while enhancing client outcomes.

Legalese Decoder

Legalese Decoder is an AI-powered tool that simplifies complex legal documents by translating jargon into plain English. It makes it easier for clients and lawyers to understand contracts, agreements, and other documents.

Best For: Consumer protection cases, such as reviewing credit card agreements or warranties; housing disputes, including translating leases or mortgage terms; and employment cases, such as simplifying non-compete clauses or job contracts.

Cost: Free for basic usage; paid plans start at $4.95/month.

HelloDivorce

For family law practitioners, HelloDivorce simplifies the divorce process for clients. It provides guided workflows, generates court-ready documents, and keeps the client engaged with clear, step-by-step instructions.

Best For: Family law cases involving uncontested divorces.

Cost: Free for lawyers to integrate into their practice, with costs borne by clients for premium features.

FormSwift

FormSwift offers a huge library of legal templates for contracts, agreements, and letters. Clients can fill out these templates online, saving you hours of back-and-forth drafting time.

Best For: Drafting straightforward legal documents quickly.

Cost: $89/year for unlimited access.

DoNotPay

DoNotPay started as a tool to help users fight parking tickets but has evolved into a versatile platform for handling various legal issues. It provides automated support for drafting legal documents, resolving disputes, and navigating consumer rights.

Best For: Tenant rights disputes, consumer rights cases, and small claims matters.

Cost: $36 every three months, which provides access to all features.

Robot Lawyer LISA

Robot Lawyer Lisa is an AI-powered platform that assists users in drafting legally binding agreements, such as non-disclosure agreements. Designed for laypeople and professionals alike, it simplifies negotiation and agreement creation while keeping costs low.

Best For: Assisting clients in self-service contract creation for low-stakes matters.

Cost: Free for basic agreements.

Best Practices for Using AI Tools

Integrating AI tools thoughtfully and strategically is critical to maximizing the benefits of AI in pro bono work. Keep the following strategies in mind.

Leverage Automation to Save Time and Reduce Errors

Automation can transform time-intensive tasks into streamlined processes, allowing you to focus on strategic legal work. For example, AI tools can help you automate:

• Client Intake: Use forms to collect essential client information online, minimizing in-person meetings or calls. This reduces the back-and-forth while keeping records organized.
• Document Drafting: Automatically generate leases, wills, or other standard documents based on client inputs. This is particularly useful for high-volume cases like housing disputes or small claims.
• Task Reminders: Automate follow-ups for deadlines or outstanding client documentation.

Automation also reduces errors by standardizing repetitive processes, ensuring consistency and accuracy across cases.

Simplify Communication with Clients

Legal concepts can be intimidating, and many clients struggle to understand dense documents or complex processes. AI tools like Legalese Decoder bridge this gap by translating legal jargon into plain English. How this helps:

• Build Trust: Clients feel more confident when they fully understand their cases. Simplified language fosters transparency and reduces misunderstandings.
• Empower Clients: When clients grasp the basics of their legal situation, they become active participants in their cases, improving outcomes.
• Save Time: Clear, simplified communication reduces the number of questions or follow-ups you’ll receive.

Consider sharing decoded documents directly with clients or using simplified drafts during consultations to explain terms clearly.

Measure Impact to Justify and Improve Use

AI tools are an investment, and measuring their impact can help you demonstrate their value and refine your approach. Key metrics to track include:

• Time Savings: Compare how long tasks like drafting or research take with and without AI tools.
• Cost Efficiency: Calculate the reduction in administrative costs or billable hours spent on routine tasks.
• Client Outcomes: Assess whether cases handled with AI tools are resolved faster or with better results.
• Case Volume: Track whether AI allows you to increase the number of clients you serve.

These insights can guide decisions about which tools to expand, which processes to automate, and how to improve your practice further.

Ensure Ethical Use and Maintain Oversight

While AI tools are powerful, they’re not infallible. Always prioritize ethical considerations:

• Double-Check Outputs: Review all AI-generated work to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
• Protect Confidentiality: Verify that tools adhere to data privacy requirements, especially when handling sensitive client information.
• Maintain Human Oversight: AI can support decision-making but should never replace your professional judgment.

Being vigilant about how you use AI ensures that your practice remains ethical, accurate, and client-centered.

The Bottom Line

These cost-effective tools are designed with accessibility in mind, making them ideal for lawyers working on pro bono or civil legal service cases. Integrating even one or two of these into your practice can save time, serve more clients, and make a greater impact.

AI isn’t here to replace lawyers—it’s here to help you do your job better. For young lawyers, especially those passionate about pro bono work, these tools can be the key to maximizing impact without stretching yourself too thin.

So, take the plunge. Experiment with a tool or two, see what works, and watch your pro bono practice grow. With AI on your side, you can focus on what matters most: helping those who need it the most.