GLS recently collaborated with the Access to Justice Lab at Harvard Law School and Swift, Isringhaus & Dubbeld, P.A to film a mock small claims pre-trial conference hearing and mediation at the Manatee County Courthouse. The film will be used to simulate such hearings for unrepresented clients in 2D and 3D virtual reality experiences, helping them to better prepare for their real life hearings.
For clients who have never been before, or for those who may not understand the legal system, showing up for a court hearing alone can be terrifying. Reading about the court experience is not enough. With a film simulation, clients are able to familiarize themselves with their settings before ever having to set foot in a courtroom. This can go a long way in reducing stress, helping them learn their rights, and understand what is expected of them.
The film simulation project also provides clients with a more detailed understanding of the small claims process, as well as how to negotiate settlement options. Attorneys will monitor use of the film and collect data to understand the efficacy of the program.
This cutting edge IT project is the first of its kind. Gulfcoast Legal attorney Nancy Roden, Esq., led the project, working in tandem with Matthew Stubenberg, Esq., Associate Director of Legal Technology at Harvard Law School’s Access to Justice Lab. Aaron Swift, Esq. and Jordan Isringhaus, Esq., partners at Swift, Isringhaus & Dubbeld, P.A in St. Petersburg, joined the project to share their expertise about the small claims process and to participate as actors.
The partners will present a panel discussion on their project at the Florida Elder Justice Conference on April 11-12th, 2019, at Stetson Law School’s Tampa Campus (www.floridahealthjustice.org/florida-elder-justice-conference.html).
