DURHAM – Duke University’s Law Tech Lab is graduating its latest class of startups this Friday at a demo day event.
Though the ventures offer different types of solutions, each share a common mission—expanding access to legal services.
Kelli Raker, Duke Law Tech Lab managing director, says that in making the selections for the participants, the program crowdsourced feedback about applicants from a wide network of Duke alumni, Duke Law Tech Lab graduates, entrepreneurs and legal tech leaders.
“We looked for early-stage teams because there are often fewer resources for such teams,” Raker said. “And we gave priority to companies that may enhance access to legal services for those who have been traditionally underserved.”
Here are the startups:
- Civvis, a natural language platform that provides legal information and resources for consumers.
- Courtroom5, a platform that equips users with tools and templates to manage civil litigation cases. The startup was awarded an NC IDEA grant last year.
- Easy Expunctions, an online platform where people can file the necessary documents to clear their record.
- FastVisa, a service that automates immigration workflow for employers and law practitioners.
- Text A Lawyer, a low-cost chat system where users can communicate with lawyers.
Both Civvis and Courtroom5 made headlines last week for their recent admission to the LexisNexis Legal Tech Accelerator. The startups were among nine to be selected to join the fourth cohort of the program.
The group is the third class to graduate from Duke Law Tech Lab, which was started in 2017 by the Duke Center on Law and Technology.
Each startup was given a $1,000 equity-free grant at the start of the program in June. They participated in live remote sessions with legal tech leaders and experts, and received connections to mentors and coaches.
On demo day, they’ll compete for a grand prize of $5,000. The runner up will receive $2,500.
The winner will be determined by a panel of judges: LexisNexis North American Research Solutions Chief Product Officer Jeff Pfeifer, Latham & Watkins Chief Information Officer Kenneth Heaps and Travelers Managing Counsel Callie Schnog. The audience also gets a chance to vote on their favorite pitch.
The event will be held 6-8 p.m. on September 20 at The Bullpen, located at Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative.
https://wraltechwire.com/event/duke-law-tech-lab-demo-day/
