Legal Aid Society of Orange County Announces the Formation of Legal Genie, Inc. & Appointment of Thomas Larkin, CEO
SANTA ANA, Calif., Feb. 14 , 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Legal Aid Society of Orange County (LASOC), a nonprofit organization founded in 1958, is announcing the formation of a new for-profit entity, Legal Genie, Inc. Legal Genie® is a web-based program which combines the power of self-help technology with access to unbundled legal services, enabling self-represented litigants to complete and e-file legal pleadings. LASOC intends to offer its web-based legal services program, Legal Genie® and I-CAN!® under the new Legal Genie, Inc. banner.
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These products are currently being used in seven states and Legal Genie and I-CAN! have evolved into an innovative service with client transactions that total over 500,000. It is available for purchase by individuals who do not meet the income criteria for free services, but at the same time cannot afford the full-time services of a lawyer. Legal Genie combines the convenience of technology with the help of a professional at an affordable price, delivering real benefits both to the public and the legal professionals.
The decision to establish the for-profit entity was influenced by the recent high profile investment activities in the "unbundled" legal services sector. However, given LASOC's twelve years of experience and creditability for providing technology solutions to self represented litigants, Legal Genie has distinct advantage over its competitors in the marketplace. Both LASOC and Legal Genie products have won several prestigious awards for innovation in development of technology solutions for self represented litigants. Additionally the decision to establish the for-profit entity aligns with LASOC's desire to achieve sustainability of the core not for profit entity.
"Given the growing need for unbundled legal services by many Americans, we feel that the best way to address this tremendous opportunity is through a profit making venture in the online legal services marketplace," said Robert Cohen, Executive Director of LASOC and Chairman of the Board for Legal Genie, Inc.
LASOC has hired wireless and e-commerce consumer brand veteran, Thomas E. Larkin to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Legal Genie, Inc. For over 15 years, Mr. Larkin served as CEO and in senior management roles within the wireless, data management, ISP, and automotive warranty industries. As CEO of EFG Companies, Mr. Larkin successfully introduced Walk-Away Brands, known today as Hyundai Quality Assurance program to the US.
Mr. Larkin's duties at Legal Genie, Inc. include establishing executive management team and meeting with venture capital and private equity firms regarding ongoing funding for Legal Genie, Inc.
About Legal Genie
Legal Genie is simple to use: answer straightforward questions and Legal Genie populates the answers in court pleading forms. The software also allows users to e-file many of the pleadings created, thereby streamlining the process at local courthouses or government agency offices.
Legal Genie is unique because, unlike other document preparation services, Legal Genie allows users the optional choice of connecting with a private attorney to provide document review, legal advice and guidance. The attorneys work in the private sector and are screened through a State Bar-certified Lawyer Referral Services (LRS).
About Legal Aid Society of Orange County
Founded in 1958 by the Orange County Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Orange County (LASOC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide civil legal services to low-income individuals and seniors and to promote equal access to the justice system through advocacy, legal counseling, innovative self-help services, in-depth legal representation,economic development and community education.
SOURCE Legal Genie
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