Ty Brown, ZAF Legal
Ty Brown is the CEO of ZAF Legal, a personal injury law firm with a twist. The firm charges zero attorney fees (or ZAF).
Nichelle Perry, NCCU Law
Nichelle (“Nikki”) Perry is an associate professor of law and director of the law library at North Carolina Central University School of Law.
Joryn Jenkins, Open Palm Law
Joryn Jenkins, founder of Open Palm Law, is a Florida attorney, divorce mediator, and expert in collaborative law.
Ken Johnson, Restorative Justice Facilitator
Ken Johnson, juvenile justice expert, discussed restorative justice practices for children caught up in the school-to-prison pipeline.
Wanda Butler, We Decide
Wanda Butler at We Decide discussed the company’s financial analysis software that simplifies the process of financial discovery in divorce.
Joseph George, George & George ADR
Joseph George, an arbitrator at George & George ADR, discussed the wide variety of options for settling cases out of court.
Ken Johnson, Mediator
Ken Johnson, licensed Florida mediator and expert in restorative juvenile justice, shared the kinds of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Pam Gwin Sheppard, Court Reporter
Pam Gwin Sheppard discussed the role of the court reporter and the process and cost of getting a copy of the record.
Joshua Schwadron, Mighty.com
Joshua Schwadron at Mighty.com discussed his company’s innovative model for helping injured people pursue personal injury claims.
Kristin Henning, Georgetown Law
Kristin Henning at Georgetown Law is the author of “Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth”.
Dave Maxfield, Consumer Law SC
Dave Maxfield is a consumer protection lawyer in Columbia, SC and co-author of the first graphic novel ever published by the ABA.
Renee Vara, Vara Art; J. Rich Leonard, Campbell Law
Renee Vara at Vara Arts provides appraiser and advisory services for creatives. J. Rich Leonard is the dean at Campbell Law in Raleigh, NC.
Ana Julieta Kowalski Solis, Licensed Court Interpreter
Ana Julieta Kowalski Solis is the owner of Interpretation and Translation Services by Licensed Court Interpreters in Brownsville, Texas.
Alyssa S. Wesley, Freelance Paralegal Services
Alyssa S. Wesley is the owner of Freelance Paralegal Services, offering legal research and document assembly to pro se civil litigants.
Ted Edwards, Banks Law Firm
Ted Edwards is a principal at Banks Law Firm, the largest Black-owned law firm in the Carolinas, representing housing authorities and others.
Scott Dodson, UC Law San Francisco
Scott Dodson is a distinguished professor of law at UC Law SF and director of the Center for Litigation and the Courts.
Bonita Torres, ICU Investigations
Bonita Torres is a licensed private investigator and owner of ICU Investigations in the Houston, Texas metro area.
Robert Songer, L and S Investigations
Robert Songer is a private investigator with L and S Investigations, serving the east Tennessee metro area.
Daniel Medwed, Northeastern University School of Law
Daniel Medwed is professor of law and criminal justice at Northeastern and the author of “Barred: Why the Innocent Can’t Get Out of Prison.”
Wanda Singleton, FYI Private Investigations
Wanda Singleton is the lead private investigator and owner of FYI Private Investigations in the Atlanta (GA) metro area.
Pioneers and Pathfinders: Dr. Sonja Ebron
Seyfarth chairman emeritus J. Stephen Poor interviews Sonja Ebron, Courtroom5 CEO, on driving change in the legal profession.
Frank Patka IV, Changing Patterns
Frank Patka IV is a founder of Changing Patterns, providing education, mentoring, and resources for citizens returning from incarceration.
Eric Peterson, Peterson Investigations
Former LAPD detective Eric Peterson is a private investigator in Southern California, collecting evidence for civil and criminal cases.
Jessica Bednarz, Justice Entrepreneurs Project
Jessica Bednarz runs the Chicago Bar Foundation’s Justice Entrepreneurs Project (JEP), an incubator for small law firms in the Chicago area.
Jazz Hampton, TurnSignl; Katherine Alteneder, SRLN
TurnSignl lets drivers bring an attorney into police interactions. SRLN is a group of legal professionals improving outcomes for pro se’s.
Ken Friedman, Divorce.com; Timothy M. Brown, Citizen HQ
Ken Friedman is CIO at Divorce.com, a low-cost divorce option. Timothy M. Brown is founder of Citizen HQ, offering free legal info.
Dan Culhane, Discovery Genie; Eric M. Bailey, Bailey Strategic Innovation Group
Discovery Genie helps organize evidence to understand a case. The Bailey Strategic Innovation Group helps courts and police reduce bias.
Melissa Franca & Emma Hawley, University of Wisconsin Law
Melissa Franca and Emma Hawley are law students at the UW School of Law, enrolled in the Law & Entrepreneurship externship course.
Olivia Miller, Chad Barr Law; Brian Vukadinovich, Pro Se
Olivia Miller described the pro se’s she sees in small claims courts. Brian Vudkadinovich said lawyers should be barred from small claims.
Samuel Tate, Tango Technology
Samuel Tate is founder at Tango Legal, an app maker that helps courts and law firms serve constituents and clients using conversational AI.
Co-hosts Sonja and Debra Trash Sovereign Citizenship
Co-hosts Sonja Ebron and Debra Slone discuss cases in the news involving pro se criminal defendants and sovereign citizens.
Delaney Edge, Aspiring Lawyer
Delaney Edge has wanted to be a lawyer for many years. She’s now taking the LSAT and preparing applications for law school.
Bernice Smith, Pro Se; Charles Von Simson, UW-Madison Law
Bernice Smith forced a wrongful death settlement pro se. Charles Von Simpson is supervising attorney at the UW Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic.
Miguel Willis at Penn Carey Law and ATJ Tech Fellows
Miguel Willis is director of ATJ Tech Fellows and Innovator in Residence for the Future of the Profession Initiative at Penn Carey Law.
Co-hosts Sonja and Debra on Recognizing Legal Issues
Co-hosts Sonja Ebron and Debra Slone discuss the case of a homeowner who sued the company responsible for collecting his trash.
Mike Whelan, Jr. at Lawyer Forward
Mike Whelan, Jr. is the author of “Lawyer Forward: Finding Your Place in the Future of Law,” a guide for solo law firms building a practice.
Jim Gibbs, CEO at Meter Feeder
Jim Gibbs is the co-founder and CEO of Meter Feeder, a mobile app that automatically pays for parking when you park your car.
Patti Mazurkiewicz and Rae Lynn Christians, Integrity Nurse
Patti Mazurkiewicz is a nurse and certified life care planner. Rae Lynn Christians is a registered nurse at Integrity Nurse Consulting.
Alison E. Peck, Author and Law Professor
Alison Peck is a law professor at West Virginia University and the author of “The Accidental History of U.S. Immigration Courts.”
Emily LaGratta, LaGratta Consulting; David Emanuel, I FIND U
Emily LaGratta helps courts reform operations to benefit court users. David Emanuel is a private investigator and owner of I FIND U.
Mark M. Bello, Author and Lawyer
Mark M. Bello is the author of several works of fiction based on the legal profession and politics, as well as children’s books on bullying.
Co-hosts Sonja and Debra Debate New Research
Co-hosts Sonja Ebron and Debra Slone discuss new research on the characteristics of pro se litigants in U.S. federal courts.
Kenn Goldblatt, Author; Doug Noll, Mediator
Kenn Goldblatt is author of “The Pro Se Litigant’s Civil Litigation Handbook.” Doug Noll is a mediator helping parties avoid trial.
Jill K. Berkana, Berkana Institute of Massage Therapy
Jill Berkana has practiced massage therapy for 32 years and offers expert witness services in cases of massage therapist misconduct.
Stephanie Ebron’s Winning Case; Paul Campson, Campson Law
Stephanie Ebron described the home remodeling job that landed her in court. Paul Campson practices personal injury law in New York.
Eric F. Wright, Sr. on Trauma and Access to Courts
Eric Wright shared his unique perspective as a law clerk on the relationships between resources and trauma and court access.
Nick Rishwain, Experts.com
Nick Rishwain at Experts.com shared the process of sourcing, hiring and using an expert witness, and why so few work with pro se litigants.
Co-hosts Sonja and Debra Recall the Origin Story
“Who Wrote That Up For You?” co-hosts Sonja Ebron and Debra Slone recalled the events underlying the show’s name.
Kitt’s Name Change Struggle; Mary Oram, Property Manager
Kitt shared the long process to change her name. Mary Oram described the need for routine legal advice in managing residential properties.
This Black-Woman-Owned Tech Platform Allows People To Represent Themselves In Court
Millions of Americans face a major disadvantage when they go to court without a lawyer. Sonja Ebron and Debra Slone worked to change that.
Major Gwen Sheppard Gets Justice In Court
Gwen Sheppard, retired U.S. Air Force major, shared her experience seeking restitution from another veteran whom she’d tried to help.
Michael D.J. Eisenberg, Tech Savvy Lawyer
Michael D.J. Eisenberg discussed The Tech Savvy Lawyer, a podcast for sharing technology and practice management tips for lawyers.
Erin Levine, Hello Divorce
Erin Levine shared the painful experiences that led her to develop Hello Divorce to lower the cost of dissolving a marriage.
Ibrahim Aissam, eCourtDate; Jared Jaskot, Jaskot Law
Ibrahim Aissam described tech that ensures proper notice of court hearings. Jared Jaskot discussed limited-scope services in immigration.
Tom Gordon, Responsive Law
Tom Gordon, executive director at Responsive Law, discussed the regulatory barriers that keep people from getting affordable legal solutions.
Kristen Sonday, Paladin
Kristen Sonday, co-founder and CEO of Paladin, discussed the role of pro bono legal services in closing the justice gap.
Randolph Frails, Esq., Frails & Wilson
Randolph Frails, senior partner at Frails & Wilson Attorneys at Law in Augusta, Georgia, described the practice areas handled by the firm.
Isabella’s Bad Lawyer Experience
Isabella and Jo hired a lawyer with 30 years of experience in probate matters. They paid a $10,000 retainer and then… nothing.
Joshua Weaver, TOJI; Claudia Johnson, Law Help Interactive
Joshua Weaver discussed law firms working to improve access to justice. Claudia Johnson shared online forms for improving access to justice.
Stacey Lake, Law Wurk
Stacey Lake of Law Wurk shared the challenges and opportunities of hiring non-lawyers for legal tasks in family law and eviction proceedings.
Otto Hanson, TermScout; Sonja & Debra Case Blunders
Sonja and Debra shared some early blunders in court. Otto Hanson of TermScout discussed their automated contract review service.
Ed Walters, Fastcase
Ed Walters is CEO at Fastcase, a provider of software, data, and analytics that allow legal practitioners to work more efficiently.
Aliza Shatzman, Legal Accountability Project
Aliza Shatzman shared her effort to hold judges accountable for their behavior toward the young lawyers who clerk for them.
Miguel Willis, ATJ Tech Fellows; Carolyn Elefant, MyShingle
Miguel Willis shared fellowships for law students focused on equitable access. Carolyn Elefant described the challenges solo attorneys face.
Forbes – This Platform Mimics The Behavior Of Lawyers So You Can Hire A Fractional Attorney
Courtroom5 allows users to hire lawyers able to help with limited portions of their case, creating a more affordable system.
Mike Zouhri, PainWorth
Mike Zouhri learned to settle an accident claim and turned those lessons into PainWorth, a tool to help settle a personal injury claim.
Damian Wilson, TurnSignl; Dwayne Pennant, NC Courts
Damian Wilson at TurnSignl shared their traffic-stop app. Dwayne Pennant in Mecklenburg County, NC described the role of a magistrate judge.
Georges Clement, JustFix; April Dawson, NCCU Law
Georges Clement shared tools for NYC residents facing housing issues. April Dawson discussed the Technology Law & Policy Center at NCCU Law.
LawNext – Courtroom5 CEO Sonja Ebron on Arming Pro Se Litigants to Succeed in Court
Sonja Ebron joined the LawNext podcast to discuss the Courtroom5 platform and the company’s mission to improve access to justice.
Jesse McCoy, Duke Law; Sally Ingles, SC Legal Services
Jesse McCoy described the Civil Justice Clinic at Duke Law. Sally Ingles described the free legal services available to SC residents.
Nicole Morris, Emory Law; Jona Goldschmidt, Loyola
Nicole Morris discussed law students thinking like entrepreneurs. Jona Goldschmidt discussed “Self-Representation: Law, Ethics, and Policy.”
Richard Granat, MD Family Lawyer; Mark Atkinson, ILPI
Richard Granat of MD Family Lawyer discussed building legal tech. Mark Atkinson of ILPI shared his incubator for improving access to justice.
Dr. Sonja Ebron – Don’t Psych Yourself Out!
CEO Dr. Sonja Ebron spoke with leadership expert Dr. Gary McGrath about her path to entrepreneurship and leading an innovative tech startup.
Mbye Njie, Legal Equalizer; Vanessa Lech, Divorcing Adults
Vanessa Lech of Divorcing Adults discussed keeping people out of court. Mbye Njie at Legal Equalizer wants to defeat police traffic stops.
Mauricio Duarte of A2J Tech; Yousef Kassim of Easy Expunctions
Mauricio Duarte at A2J Tech discussed the No Code movement in software. Yousef Kassim at Easy Expunctions explained expungement.
Camila Lopez of People Clerk; Journalist Jason Tashea
People Clerk CEO Camila Lopez described how People Clerk works for small claims. Jason Tashea announced a fellowship for access to justice.
NCCU Law Professor Kevin P. Lee on AI and Ethics
Professor Kevin P. Lee at NCCU Law discussed the wide-ranging impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) and ethical implications.
DispatchJustice on Traffic Stops; AAAS and Civil Justice
Elizabeth Richardson at DispatchJustice discussed traffic stops. Eduardo Gonzales at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences described civil justice research.
UniCourt’s Legal Data; Activist Eric F. Wright, Sr.
UniCourt’s Jeff Cox talks about data to improve access to justice. Eric F. Wright, Sr. shares the challenges of self-represented litigants.
#WhoWroteThat Back Story; Brian Vukadinovich
“Who Wrote That Up For You?” is about people without lawyers in court. We speak with Brian Vukadinovich, an experienced pro se litigant.
How Can Technology Make The American Legal System More Equitable?
Sonja Ebron spoke with Code The Dream about inequities in the civil justice system and the way Courtroom5 helps improve access to the courts.
How Justice Tech is Taking a Human-Centered Approach to Access to Justice Challenges
Justice tech that supports people as they navigate the US criminal and civil justice systems seeks to make a difference for millions.
Fastcase 50 Announced – Congratulations to Class of 2022
Sonja Ebron and Debra Slone – 2022 recipients of FastCase50 Award for innovation and excellence in the legal profession.
Fastcase Names Courtroom5 Founders Fastcase 50 Awardees for 2022
Sonja Ebron and Debra Slone of Courtroom5 join the 2022 list of Fastcase 50 awardees for innovation in the law.
Telling A Compelling Story: The Key To Opening Statements
Your opening statement should tell a story, set the tone for the trial, and be entertaining, all at the same time.
As States Toy With Reform, Legal Tech Cos. Fill Justice Gap
Legal tech companies are bridging the justice gap, while less than a handful of states have taken action to expand the practice of law.
Blaze Of Glory – Courtroom5 Class of Fire Awards winners
Courtroom5 is one of seven startups in the Triangle whose products and services are gaining quick acceptance in the marketplace.
Courtroom5 1 of 7 Legal Tech Companies To Watch In 2022
Courtroom5 is among seven companies that industry experts identified among the most important in legal tech today.
What Happens Once I File an Appeal?
Understanding the basics of the appellate process before you file an appeal to a higher court can help you file an effective brief.
Courtroom5 and Fastcase Collaborate to Help Pro Se Litigants
Sonja Ebron at Courtroom5 and Ed Walters at Fastcase discuss their collaboration to help people gain access to the court system in the US.
The Justice Tech Movement and Access to Justice in 2022
What is the Justice Tech movement about and how will it help to move the needle in making justice more inclusive?
YES! Magazine – Seeking Just Trials
Trials are far from impartial when the defendant is poor. Courtroom5 and others are working to re-balance the scales of justice.
A Guide to Legal Settlements in the US
Legal settlements are agreements between parties in a lawsuit to resolve the dispute without trial and mitigate the risk of losing.
Justice Tech Association Supports Consumer-Facing Legal Tech
JTA’s goal is to act as a resource for investors and financial supporters exploring justice tech opportunities.
Everything You Need to Know About Affidavits
Affidavits are written statements, sworn under oath and signed by the affiant, recounting facts surrounding an event or situation.
Nasdaq – Sonja Ebron: Facilitating Equal Access to Justice Resources
Spiffy here, reporting from Planet Earth. I’m thrilled to be talking to Sonja Ebron, an entrepreneur working to make the world a better place.
2022 Women in Business Awards: Sonja Ebron – Courtroom5
Courtroom5 CEO Sonja Ebron is interviewed following a 2022 Women In Business award from the Triangle Business Journal.
Google for Startups – No lawyer? No problem. Courtroom5 wins cases for the unrepresented.
Having access to legal tech like Courtroom5’s is an emerging new normal for unrepresented people in US civil courts.
Startup Savant Profiles Courtroom5
Courtroom5 is a legal tech startup that provides online resources for anyone wishing to represent themselves in complex civil litigation.
An Accessible Justice Startup with Sonja Ebron of Courtroom5
Sonja Ebron shares her experience creating Courtroom5, a legal-tech platform helping those representing themselves navigate the legal system.
‘Justice Tech’ companies launch new association to advocate for consumers and reforms
The founding members of the nonprofit Justice Technology Association are Courtroom5, Hello Divorce, People Clerk;,and Easy Expunctions.
NC IDEA – Meet Our Founders: Sonja Ebron
Sonja Ebron, founder of Courtroom5 in Durham, NC, offers automated litigation support for people in court without a lawyer.
Durham startup looks to make justice more accessible – one court case at time
Since Courtroom5 went live in April 2017, thousands of people have been served by the online legal aid resource.
TBJ reveals 2022 class of Women in Business Awards winners
This year’s class includes Courtroom5 CEO Sonja Ebron among 28 decision-makers in technology, health care, retail and law.
7 Black-led startups receive $75,000 NC IDEA grants
The NC BEC Growth Grant recipients include Courtroom5, a low-cost automated service that helps people represent themselves in civil court.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Issue
To honor MLK’s legacy, we feature two Black-founded start-ups bringing justice and equity where racial injustice has plagued society.
As A Pro Se Litigant, Beware Of Form Over Substance
You may think legal forms are saving you time and money but beware — they’re not the saving grace the courts want you to believe.
How To Make Unbundled Legal Services Work For You
Unbundled legal services are specific tasks a lawyer might perform for a client who can’t afford or doesn’t require full representation.
5 Things Self-Represented Litigants Learned The Hard Way
We talk to self-represented litigants regularly. Learn 5 things they wish they’d known before they entered the courtroom.
A Lesson In Damages: Know How You’ve Been Harmed
When one person’s interests are harmed by another’s actions, it all comes down to damages. Know exactly the harm done or risk losing out.
22 Startups To Watch In 2022
Raleigh-Durham, NC is a home for innovation. View the gallery to see why Courtroom5 is among Triangle Inno’s 22 startups to watch in 2022.
Throwback To That Time I Got Thrown Out Of Court
Lawyers say it’s important to be polite in court, but the truth is that persistence pays, even if it gets you thrown out of court.
Elements Are Everything In Litigation
Elements are the components of a cause of action or an affirmative defense that must be proven to make a party liable or avoid liability.
Sonja Ebron: Gratitude, mindset, and what I’m celebrating this year
Sonja Ebron is the founder and CEO of Courtroom5. This post is one portion of a WRAL TechWire series on gratitude.
What Types of Cases Do Federal District Courts Hear?
If you’re considering filing a legal action in the federal district courts, there are a few things you should know.
And the winners of NC TECH Awards are…
NC TECH named 10 startups based in North Carolina to its “Top Ten Startups to Watch” list, including Courtroom5.
Can You Appeal Based On Legal Malpractice?
If you mess up your case as a pro se litigant, can you appeal under the doctrine of “legal malpractice?” It may be worth a try.
What Is Justice? A Historical and Modern Look
What does justice truly mean? What has it meant historically? Take a deep dive into this essential antidote to social chaos.
Self-representation and AI-enabled “trial playbooks” with Sonja Ebron
In episode no. 66, Andrea Perry-Petersen speaks with Sonja Ebron, founder of Courtroom5, on the Reimagining Justice podcast.
With Courtroom5, “It’s the Other Way”
You don’t have to get lawyer-handled. Here’s a story about showing your opposing counsel “it’s the other way” when you join Courtroom5.
What Is Justice as a Service (JaaS)?
Learn the concept of Justice as a Service and how it can potentially make it easier to find justice in your case.
A Court Reporter Stops All Foolishness
Never attend a hearing without a court reporter! Read these real-life examples of these essential workers in action.
Legal Research Is a Struggle for Lawyers Too
Don’t be intimidated by the opposing lawyer in your case. Turns out they struggle with legal research almost as much as pro se litigants.
How I Beat an Eviction with Case Law
When we don’t pay our rent, we get evicted. But we always want to find a loophole, and there are plenty to be found in case law.
How Courtroom5 is Using Legal Tech to Close the Access to Justice Gap (Sonja Ebron & Maya Markovich)
Sonja Ebron and Maya Markovich are trying to bridge the access to justice gap and make it on litigants who head to court without lawyers.
13 North Carolina startups to participate in Venture Atlanta next month
Thirteen North Carolina companies, including Courtroom5, will participate in next month’s Venture Atlanta 2021 event.
Surpass the Judge’s Expectations
A look at judicial bias, how it can affect you as a pro se litigant, and the wise words of retired judge Richard Posner.
How to Analyze a Civil Case and Craft a Litigation Strategy, Part 1
Learn the simple procedure we as pro se litigants can use to analyze a civil case as it moves along the civil claims process (part 1 of 2).
How to Analyze a Civil Case and Craft a Litigation Strategy, Part 2
Use a sample scenario to continue learning how to analyze a civil case from start to finish (part 2 of 2).
Keeping Your Motion To Dismiss On A Leash
All that matters in a motion to dismiss is whether the complaint contains enough allegations against you to merit a judge’s attention.
Judicial Bias and Ways You Can Combat It
Judges often rush through cases involving a pro se litigant. Here’s a look at the reasons, and some ways to make them take you seriously.
How to Find the Strengths and Weaknesses in Your Case
It doesn’t matter if you’re the plaintiff or defendant — analyze your case from both sides to map your winning strategy.
The Effective Pro Se Litigant — Ingredients and a Recipe
You can win in court without a lawyer. Learn the seven attributes of an effective pro se litigant and get ready to win your case.
This online platform aims to help pro se litigants with complex civil cases
In this episode of Legal Rebels, Sonja Ebron discusses the launch of Courtroom5 in 2017 and the different ways the platform can assist users.
Wiggin And Dana’s $10M Plan To Diversify Biz Ownership
One Wiggin and Dana client is Courtroom5, an online platform with legal resources for people representing themselves in civil litigation.
Litigation: Expectations vs. Reality
Learn some of the common misconceptions about the litigation process versus the reality of how your case may unfold.
Courtroom5 Seeks to Represent the Underrepresented
The underrepresented now have access to document templates, case law, analysis of claims and defenses – everything needed for a civil case.
On the Critical Importance of Black Lawyers
The Black lawyer has traditionally been the bridge to justice for the Black community. This new world needs Black lawyers more than ever.
The First 9 Things To Do When You’ve Been Served
Learn the top nine essential steps to take after you’ve been served a court summons or complaint.
How Do You Select a Date for a Hearing on a Motion?
A motion asks a judge to issue a ruling on a specific legal issue. The process for scheduling a hearing on a motion involves a few key steps.
Sonja Ebron of Courtroom5: Five Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Startup
Sonja Ebron at Courtroom5 describes her experience and lessons learned about what it takes to create a highly successful startup.
Abused? Arrested? Imprisoned? Ten apps to help the poor cope with a justice system that favors the rich.
Among the top legal tech apps is Courtroom5, which provides essential tools for handling your civil lawsuit.
What Petitions Can Be Filed in Family Court?
A petition is a legal document you file with the court to open a new case. Here are petitions to start various family court cases.
Making The Legal System Equitable With Technology
Sonja Ebron has a strong conviction that fairness in the legal system shouldn’t depend on inequitable access to knowledge or resources.
NC IDEA elects new board members, chair; approves “historic” budget
The newly elected NC IDEA directors are Spencer Disher of Charlotte, Sonja Ebron of Durham and Jerry Edmonds, Ed.D. of Henderson.
Using Text Messages and Emails in Mediation, Family, or Divorce Court
Can texts and emails be used in mediation, family, or divorce court? Short answer: Yes. But knowing how to collect this evidence is critical.
How To Oppose A Motion For Summary Judgment
A motion for summary judgment argues that no material facts are in dispute and that the moving party deserves judgment as a matter of law.
Durham legal tech startup Courtroom5 is 2021 Founders of Color Showcase finalist
Courtroom5 is a finalist in the Founders of Color Showcase run by global impact investor syndicate Next Wave Impact.
Understanding The Breach Of Contract Claim
We often create contracts without a second thought. So when we’re sued, we don’t always recognize the claim as a breach of contract claim.
#StartupsEverywhere – Helping People Navigate the Civil Court System
Engine recently spoke with Sonja Ebron to learn more about Courtroom5’s legal support to people representing themselves in civil court.
Reinventing Legal with Ari Kaplan – Guest Sonja Ebron
Courtroom5 CEO Sonja Ebron appeared on Litera TV’s Reinventing Legal with Ari Kaplan to discuss the company’s support for pro se litigants.
Black-owned Courtroom5 is one of 5 firms to receive backing from women’s investment community SheEO
Courtroom5 is scaling quickly after landing the backing of the women’s investment group SheEO, which offers funding to women-led startups.
Sonja Ebron of Courtroom5: How exercise and meditation can help manage stress in business
Sonja Ebron is on a mission to deliver justice for everyone. See how exercise and meditation help her manage the stress in business.
UniCourt Influencer Q&A with Sonja Ebron of Courtroom5
Sonja Ebron is the CEO of Courtroom5, a growing legal tech company focused on tackling the yawning access to justice gap in the U.S.
Gotcha! The Unintended Admission That Kills Your Case
A request for admissions cannot be ignored. When you neither admit nor deny the statements, or object to them, they may be deemed admitted.
Number of Diverse Legal Tech Founders Drops, But Overall Percentage Inches Up
The number of founders of U.S. legal tech companies who are women or people of color has dropped since 2018.
What You Actually Need to Know about Diversity in Legal Tech in 2021, and 7 Ways to Improve It
Technology is the future of the industry, and thus, those who shape legal tech will shape the future of justice.
Sovereign Citizens Make Pro Se Litigants Look Silly
Sovereign citizens believe the U.S. government is a corporation that lost jurisdiction over citizens when the gold standard was dropped.
NC Startup Sees Surge In Traffic As Thousands Seek Help With Pandemic-Fueled Legal Woes
As the pandemic worsens, millions face financial ruin and the threat of foreclosure. Most can’t afford a lawyer to represent them.
Courtroom5: Representing The Unrepresented In Court Cases
Millions are facing economic consequences of the pandemic, including debt collection, foreclosure, and workplace issues. Courtroom5 can help.
Google is providing cash awards to 76 startups through a racial equity initiative announced in June
Google has committed to fund 76 startups that were chosen for their geographic diversity as well as the diversity of their companies’ mission.
Durham firms LoanWell, Courtroom5, Charlotte’s Freeman Capital land Google for Startups funding
Three North Carolina firms, including Courtroom5, are receiving a combined $200,000 in funding from Google for Startups Black Founders Fund.
Funding Black founders fuels generational change
Google announced the 76 inspiring founders who have been selected to receive awards from the Black Founders Fund, including Courtroom5.
The Promise Of Briefs: Online legal aid resource in Durham gains steam
Courtroom5 in an online legal aid resource for those without a lawyer. At least 70 percent of resolved cases have been won or settled.
How Entrepreneurs in North Carolina Are Finding Success and Building Community During The Pandemic
Courtroom5 is succeeding in the economic downturn as more people search on topics like foreclosure, bankruptcy, and debt collection.
Start-Up Aims to Help Individuals Being Sued for Unpaid Debts
A new start-up is aiming to help individuals who are being sued for unpaid debt but who are not able to hire an attorney.
At Techstars Kansas City demo day, startups pitch solutions to ‘real problems’
Nine founders of the Techstars Kansas City 2020 class, including Courtroom5, pitched their companies to potential investors.
If you’re going to court without a lawyer, this startup can help you navigate the system
Courtroom5 thinks it can help those who are going to court but can’t afford expensive counsel in civil cases.
Legal Tech Startup to Watch: Courtroom5
Proudly run by non-lawyers, legal tech startup Courtroom5 gives clients all the tools they need to handle their own civil court cases.
Black owners of Durham startup Courtroom5 work to ‘democratize’ the courts
Created for people without lawyers, Courtroom5 wants to democratize the courts with a step-by-step legal toolbox for handling a civil case.
Why Do Pro Se Litigants Lose So Often?
Pro se litigants are practicing law without a license, which is our right when we’re directly interested in a case. But it also means we lose, a lot.
Two NC startups – Courtroom5, MuukLabs – land spots in Techstars Accelerator
Two startups from the Triangle, including Courtroom5, have earned investment and coveted spots in the Techstars Kansas City Accelerator.
What Won’t You Do To Fight Eviction In A Pandemic?
Eviction cases are nearly always biased toward the property owner. Can a tenant level the playing field and fight eviction by claiming ownership?
Did The Judge Really Ask, “Who Wrote That Up For You?”
Audio clips from a court hearing in which the judge, stunned by a pro se defendant’s courtroom proficiency, asks, “Who wrote that up for you?”
Fourth Class of Start-Ups Graduate from LexisNexis Legaltech
Courtroom5 joins the LexisNexis Legaltech accelerator for intensive training in the rapidly evolving world of legal services.
What “Winning” Means For The Pro Se Litigant
Winning is not always about a judgment. It’s about aligning your goals with a strategy to achieve them. Thats what winning looks like for pro se litigants.
Courtroom5, a case management platform, wins Black Founders Exchange Demo Day
The founders of Black Founders Exchange winner Courtroom5 know first-hand how tricky it can be to get caught up in the U.S. legal system.
Courtroom5 Lets You Litigate Your Own Civil Case
Courtroom5 founders were overwhelmed by a lawsuit over an unfair eviction. So they created a tool that lets you litigate your own civil case.
5 Things Self Represented Litigants Wish They’d Known Before Going Pro Se
Here are 5 lessons that self represented litigants learn after they’ve lost their cases. We know from experience that’s the absolute worst way to learn.
Attorney At Law Magazine Features Courtroom5 As Legal Innovator
Attorney At Law Magazine calls Courtroom5 a legal innovator in a sign that pro se litigants are finally getting the respect they deserve.
Tricks Are For Lawyers: A Guide For Dealing With Bad Lawyer Behaviors
To be your own lawyer, you might have to face an opponent’s lawyer, and they don’t play fair. Here are some tips for dealing with bad lawyer behaviors.
Motion For Justice By Brian Vukadinovich
Brian Vukadinovich’s Motion for Justice — I Rest My Case chronicles a lifetime of battles with the judicial system that should not have needed fighting.
When A Dragon Needs Slaying, Call Isaac Wright, Jr.
Isaac Wright, Jr. delivered the clapback of the century when the men who framed him for drug crimes and stole his freedom got justice at his hands, legally.
Why Can’t The Legal Profession Deliver Access To Justice?
The function of the legal profession is access to justice. Is it too much to ask lawyers to prioritize the issue? Yes, as it turns out, it probably is.
Trial Planning As A Pro Se Litigant Begins At The End
Avoid a sleepless night on the eve of trial by preparing early. Trial planning for pro se litigants should start with the evidence.
When A Lawyer Sees Court Through Pro Se Eyes
Former lawyer Nicole Bradick, an entrepreneur and legal tech expert, recently founded a software firm that focuses on civil justice projects.
Judges Gone Wild — Is Lack Of Accountability To Blame?
Even in cases where you might think the judge is a little cuckoo, you must follow court rules in the hopes of getting some justice.
Celia Of Missouri And The Promise Of Judicial Process
The case of Celia of Missouri, a slave routinely raped by her owner, reminds us that courts promise only judicial process, not justice.
This Lawyer Joke Is The Greatest Of All Time
Every lawyer joke has the same punch line, some ethical lapse. Did you hear the one about the number of lawyers it takes to fix a lightbulb?
Can’t I Just Fill Out The Court Ordered Form?
A court ordered form may be good for simple matters. But when you represent yourself in real litigation, get Courtroom5. In which category is your case?
Courthouse HOV Lane Reserved For Lawyers
From physical access to chambers to simplified scheduling procedures, lawyers get an HOV lane at the courthouse that leaves the rest of us in traffic jams.
Tell Me About Your Case
We keep our court cases secret from family and friends, so we’re isolated as self-represented litigants. Come tell me about your case.
Prophetic Genius Richard Zorza
By showing that the typical civil case involves a self-represented litigant, Richard Zorza becomes one of the Lawyers We Love the most.
When In Doubt, Remember None Of Us Are Perfect
It’s easy to feel like a loser when you find yourself in litigation. But to win, you must get over it and remember none of us are perfect.
5 Frivolous Lawsuits Someone Should Risk Sanctions To File
Civil litigation is nothing to play with, but paying sanctions for a frivolous lawsuit could be worth making a point for issues that matter.
Enslaved Persons In The Nation’s Capital Sued For Freedom
A 19th century archive of DC federal court cases contains numerous petitions for freedom from enslaved persons, some of them successful.
Let The Buyer Beware The Mandatory Arbitration Clause
A New York Times report finds mandatory arbitration clauses in standard contract language, giving new meaning to “let the buyer beware.”
Special Jurisdiction Courts Are Designed To Deny Access To Justice
Special jurisdiction courts are all the proof we need that the courts were never designed to provide common people with access to justice.
ABA Signifying Nothing With Panels On Self Represented Litigants
The ABA elite met in Chicago and groaned about the logjam of self-represented litigants, a bunch of sound and fury signifying nothing.
Disruption In The Legal Profession, Finally
Rich Barton, tech entrepreneur and Avvo director, sat down with the ABA president to explain why disruption is coming to the legal profession.
Sylvia Ann Driskell v. Homosexuals Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things
Sylvia Ann Driskell’s lawsuit is the kind of mess that deepens the bias against pro se litigants when it’s laughed out of court.
Rihanna’s BBHMM Is A Plaintiff’s Anthem
Rihanna’s BBHMM is a fierce demand for justice and a commitment to get what one is owed, something every plaintiff should take into court.
The Tinley Park Squatter Is A Hero
The Tinley Park squatter played the system, but not as badly as the system has plagued her. She’s caring for family the best way she can.
The Pain Of Losing A Case On Appeal
Losing a case on appeal is painful. Your judge was either an idiot, or biased, or both. But appellate court judges should be better, right?
Judicial Tyranny An All Too Common Experience
To combat judicial tyranny as a pro se litigant, know the law, express it boldly, and never appear before a judge without a court reporter.
The Two Constitutions of Justice Thurgood Marshall
Justice Thurgood Marshall saw multiple federal constitutions. He said the first was fundamentally flawed by its accommodations to slavery.
Martin Luther King Jr On Law and Order
Law and order as interpreted by the courts are about power, not justice. But power can come from a mere willingness to demand justice.