South African AI Legal Advisor Launches to Democratize Access to Justice

My AI Lawyer has launched in South Africa, offering an AI-powered legal advisor accessible via web and WhatsApp. This platform aims to provide affordable, on-demand guidance on everyday legal questions, addressing the significant challenge of expensive traditional legal advice in the country. It is specifically trained on South African law by local lawyers, ensuring its relevance and accuracy for the local context.

The service is designed to be mobile-first and secure, helping users navigate common legal issues such as tenant rights, employment disputes, and maintenance orders. While the AI handles routine queries, human legal advisors are available for more complex or sensitive matters, offering a hybrid approach to legal assistance. The platform prioritizes user privacy, processing data within Microsoft Azure infrastructure and ensuring personal information is not used for training large language models.

Darren Cohen, Head of Distribution and Marketing at My AI Lawyer, emphasizes that the service is built to bridge the gap in access to justice, a fundamental right recognized by the South African Constitution and UN Sustainable Goals. By providing plain-language answers and the ability to draft legal letters, My AI Lawyer seeks to empower South Africans who previously could not afford legal counsel. The initiative has already garnered international recognition, notably being the first African project to receive the Microsoft Global Inclusion Changemaker award, highlighting its potential for driving inclusive growth and access to justice.