The Maroon 3-20-15

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For a greater Loyola University • New Orleans • Vol. 93 • Issue 22

THE MAROON

MARCH 20, 2015

Hacking for justice Loyola College of Law hosts innovative coding competition to improve underprivileged communities’ access to legal aid

By Zayn Abidin saabidin@loyno.edu @zayn_maroon

The term “hacker” often conjures up negative images. But soon, coders from all over Louisiana will come together to give underprivileged groups “Hackcess to Justice.” Loyola College of Law, in collaboration with the ABA Journal and the Louisiana Bar Association, will host a competition called “Hackcess to Justice.” It will take place on March 21 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and March 22 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the College of Law. The event, according to the college’s website, is designed to bring together technological and entrepreneurial groups with Louisiana legal aid organizations. Over the course of two days, they will try to develop technology-based solutions that will create an avenue for the underprivileged communities’ access to the justice system. The competition boasts a $1,500 first prize,

$1,000 second prize and a $500 third prize. Victoria Luwisch, coordinator for external affairs and graduate studies at the law school, said that the event is important because it will help Louisiana citizens who cannot afford lawyers better understand the legal process. “These technological solutions will help Louisiana’s legal aid systems to be fairer and more efficient. Representatives from legal aid organizations will be on site to discuss the unique issues that they and their clients face and the types of solutions they seek,” Luwisch said. She said that individuals or teams will use coding to submit technology-enabled solutions like apps or websites. However, submissions must address the specific needs of lawyers and legal aid organizations that serve underprivileged clients. William Palin, adjunct professor of law at Suffolk Law School, said he participated in “Hackcess to Justice” last year and won. “I’d never been to such an event,

so I wanted to see what it would be like and also compete and win the $1,500 prize. This event is necessary because it brings groups of different expertise together, helps in community building and is engaging,” Palin said. John Love Norris, an attorney and Loyola College of Law alumni, said he is planning to participate in the event for the first time this year. “I plan on introducing my idea called the ‘Legal Gap App.’ It will utilize limited scope representation contracts in the area of family law. Users will enter the application seeking an attorney for a specific need in family law, and the application will place them in contact with an affordable or pro bono attorney,” Norris said. Norris said he is taking part in the competition to bring about justice. “I choose to participate in this event because I believe in the underlying premise that everyone deserves a fair shot in the justice system,” Norris said. KARLA ROSAS / The Maroon

MANDATORY MEAL PLAN MERCI BUKU POSTPONED FOR REVISIONS

See LIFE & TIMES, page 8

See NEWS, page 3

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The Maroon 3-20-15 by Loyola Maroon - Issuu