This chapter argues that technology is likely to be the best bet for solving these problems. We are at the very beginning of the application of computer power to legal services and we have already seen much that will help increase access to justice: free or low-cost access to the law itself (statutes, regulations, and cases), free or low-cost legal forms, low-cost access to legal advice, etc. Moreover, as computer technology becomes even more sophisticated and we move into more advanced stages of computerization, we may see technology fundamentally reshape the market for legal services.

Two caveats. First, for potential clients who are illiterate or lack access to a computer with internet access, computerization is unlikely to be of much help. Access to the internet is continuing to grow, however. Approximately 70% of Americans have a broadband connection at home, including more than half of households with incomes below $30,000. Almost all public libraries provide free access to the internet and computers as well. Chicago-Kent Law School's A2J project is also beginning to make smartphone versions of their internet access to justice programs, and 61% of Americans own a smartphone. Despite the possibility of access, however, there are significant numbers of Americans incapable of self-help, regardless of technological advances. It is worth noting, however, that if technology can reach some of the low-hanging fruits of need, legal aid and pro bono efforts could focus more narrowly on the neediest Americans.

Second, technology will not reach all of American legal needs equally. There are at least four different types of legal work the poor and middle class need, and some is more likely to be provided inexpensively by computers than others. The easiest case is access to the raw materials of American law.