The nonprofit organization formerly known as Pro Bono Net has announced a significant rebranding initiative, adopting the name Scale Justice. This move is intended to mirror its broadened mission that extends beyond merely organizing pro bono legal services—a mission that the organization has pursued since its founding at the dawn of the internet era.
Zach Zarnow, the Executive Director of the newly named Scale Justice, highlighted the transition as an opportunity to further expand justice and opportunity through digital innovation. Since its inception, the organization has been at the forefront of developing technology tools aimed at enhancing access to legal services, currently serving more than 8 million individuals annually. For more insights about Zarnow’s vision, check his professional profile.
The establishment of the organization dates back to 1998, under the leadership of its founders Mark O’Brien and Michael Hertz. Initially powered by a grant from the Open Society Institute, it sought to utilize emerging internet technologies to coordinate pro bono lawyers more efficiently. The prototype of their original website, probono.net, was launched in March 1999.
Since then, Pro Bono Net has birthed several innovative projects, such as LawHelp.org/NY, the first site in the U.S. to offer legal rights resources across several jurisdictions. These efforts have bolstered the organization’s reputation as a significant player in the access-to-justice technology domain.
In 2005, the organization assumed management of LawHelp Interactive, now the largest nonprofit platform for online legal forms in the U.S., assisting over a million Americans annually. By 2007, it had co-founded the Immigration Advocates Network, aimed at fortifying the legal safety net for immigrants. This evolution culminated with Justicia Lab, an innovation hub that collaborates with entities like Google.org to leverage AI for social impact.
The rebrand comes during a period of transition. Founder Mark O’Brien retired in 2024, making way for Zarnow, who was previously with the National Center for State Courts. The recent appointment of seven board members, including access-to-justice expert Rebecca Sandefur, underscores the organization’s goal of expanding its technological solutions to a broader audience.
Scale Justice remains committed to its existing initiatives under its new name, such as LawHelp, LawHelp Interactive, and Citizenshipworks. It also continues to maintain partnerships while exploring new avenues, such as Reclamo.AI, a multilingual chatbot aimed at aiding low-wage and immigrant workers in New York.
Chair of the Scale Justice board, Betty Balli Torres, emphasized the importance of this transition, asserting that the new name reflects a continual dedication to constructing digital solutions that serve people and communities striving for justice. For further reading, visit the article on LawNext.