Since the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools a year ago, the legal profession has espoused increased access to justice as one beneficial outcome from the technology. (Shweta Watwe, “Judges Reflect on GenAI Use One Year After ChatGPT’s Debut”, Bloomberg Law (Nov. 28, 2023)). However, few have described what expanded access to justice means or how these tools accomplishes such feat. Instead, we have assumed by the nature of the tools’ speed and efficiency that this will lead to the underrepresented receiving more legal services and/or lawyers’ ability to represent more clients cost-effectively.

While these tools hold promise for access to justice, serious impediments exist. Many Americans reside in “digital deserts,” having no or limited access to the internet, which is essential to utilize such tools (Kathy Gromoll, “Dealing with Digital Deserts”, Austin People Works). The nation’s wireless infrastructure would require substantial improvement to ensure more equitable access to these tools (See Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, H.R. 3684, 117th Congress (2021-22)).