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Innovating for Justice: How Relativity is Changing Pro Bono Work

In the realm of legal technology, few names resonate as loudly as Relativity. This global giant is at the forefront of transforming how legal work is conducted, making significant strides through its Justice for Change program. Launched in 2020, this initiative is dedicated to empowering organizations that strive for social justice by providing them with innovative tools to enhance pro bono legal work.

Celebrating Impact

Recently, Relativity has received recognition for its remarkable contributions through the Justice for Change program, underscoring the importance of collective action in addressing barriers within the legal system. With more than 200 cases handled globally and over 7 million documents processed within its workspaces, the program has profoundly influenced the landscape of access to justice. Johnathan Hill, Global Program Manager for Social Impact at Relativity, emphasizes the essential nature of collaboration, stating, “We cannot do it alone.” This mantra embodies the mission of the Justice for Change initiative, facilitating partnerships that enable legal organizations to digitize their physical records and modernize workflows.

Recognition and Awards

The impact of Relativity's efforts has not gone unnoticed. At the prestigious 2025 Wiley A. Branton Awards, the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLC) honored Relativity with the Corporate Citizen Leadership Award. This accolade acknowledges the cooperative strides taken to advance justice and equality, highlighting that societal problems require a united response. Additionally, the collaboration between Relativity, Epiq, and WLC was further recognized at the 2025 Halo Awards, where they were celebrated as Silver Winners for their innovative and impactful partnership.

The Story Behind the Initiative

The Justice for Change program is notable not just for its scale but also for its responsiveness to the challenges faced by pro bono legal organizations. Many of these groups are often overwhelmed by outdated paper documentation, which complicates their ability to utilize modern e-discovery solutions. Recognizing this, Relativity has taken proactive steps to convert hard-copy client files into digital formats, substantially reducing logistical burdens. For instance, WLC faced a daunting challenge; for years, they had amassed hundreds of boxes filled with client files, which not only occupied valuable office space but also forced them to incur significant storage costs. In partnership with a vendor, Relativity facilitated the conversion of these documents, leading to estimated savings of around $50,000 annually in storage fees alone.

Leveraging Technology for Better Outcomes

Efforts under the Justice for Change program have also proven critical in addressing pressing social issues. For example, during their collaboration with WLC, Relativity aided in the compilation and examination of documents necessary for a crucial report on the District of Columbia's Gang Database. The report brought to light serious concerns about the database's accuracy and its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. With Relativity’s tools, WLC was able to efficiently manage the project, emphasizing, “Without the benefit of Relativity, we would have been at a huge disadvantage.” This successful outcome not only prompted essential discussions about systemic flaws in the database but also resulted in reducing the database entries by nearly 50%.

Supporting Pro Bono Organizations in the Digital Age

In addition, the initiative has expanded to assist other groups like the Innocence Project by providing tools that have expedited case work, ultimately leading to the exoneration of wrongfully convicted individuals. Barry Scheck, Co-Founder of the Innocence Project, remarked on the transformational impact of Relativity’s support, highlighting how it effectively saved time and resources that contributed to a client's freedom after years of wrongful imprisonment.

The program’s outreach efforts are not just limited to legal organizations; they also strive to address the significant digital divide that exists within the legal sphere. Relativity, collaborating with partners like Page One, has already revamped workflows for several organizations, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to scaling these transformations to reach even more pro bono entities.

Conclusion

Relativity's Justice for Change program is a testament to the potential of digital innovation in fostering social justice. By harnessing advanced technology, it empowers legal practitioners to enhance their pro bono capabilities and tackle critical issues facing communities today. The ripple effect of these efforts signifies a promising shift towards greater access to justice, not only in the legal profession but across society as a whole. Companies and stakeholders interested in enhancing their social impact through such initiatives are encouraged to connect and contribute to this essential cause.

For further information about Relativity and its programs, visit Relativity’s website.