Oregon Law Help, with Emily Clark Cuellar and Kelsey Cunningham (S3:E6)
Summary
In this episode, hosts Everett Meadows and Tom Bozman discuss the Oregon Law Help portal with guests Emily Clark-Cuellar and Kelsey Cunningham. They explore how the site bridges the access-to-justice gap by providing plain-language legal information and referrals for self-represented litigants. The conversation highlights the unique challenges of rural Oregon, the critical role of "helper" professionals in guiding users, and the emerging risks and benefits of AI in legal research.
Topics discussed
Introduction, host, and sponsor
Guest introductions: Emily Clark-Cuellar and Kelsey Cunningham
Overview of Oregon Law Help and its origins
The access to justice gap and rural challenges
Writing for non-lawyers and the 'curse of knowledge'
Website navigation and user experience improvements
Content strategy: SEO, user testing, and topic selection
Deep dive into the Oregon access to justice gap analysis
Rural infrastructure barriers: internet and phone access
Helping self-represented litigants with basic court procedures
The role of AI in legal research and its risks
Case study: AI hallucinations in trademark law
Project timeline and the 'tertiary audience' of helpers
How social workers and DHS use Oregon Law Help
Information design: white space and cognitive load
How attorneys can promote and use the resource
Stakeholder roles: OSB, Courts, and Legal Aid
Benefits of informed pro se opponents in litigation
Overcoming 'I can't give legal advice' barriers
Community justice workers and limited scope representation
Outreach strategies and CLE credit for contributors
User analytics, QR codes, and trusted source branding
Final takeaways, resources for professionals, and closing
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