In two separate but related initiatives, Relativity is expanding its Justice for Change program, already running in the US and elsewhere, to EMEA. It is also expanding its work with Microsoft in bringing education and technology to people and organisations who need it in the battle for a more equitable society.

It has become more or less impossible now to fight any legal battle without data and the means of handling data. This inevitably tips the balance in favour of state and other official bodies because they have access to the means of managing data where those seeking justice do not. Technology advances all the time, and with it advances the expectation of courts and tribunals that parties can manage and produce the information required of them in any proceedings. The requirement is not merely one of capital outlay – there are skills involved which cannot be acquired overnight and are not generally available at universities

It is to meet this kind of challenge that Relativity introduced its Justice for Change program in the US. “Racial injustice” is not just a battle cry or social aspiration but something which has real meaning to people and organisations who wish to stand up for their rights and the rights of others. The Relativity Justice for Change web page shows a banner with the words “In the age of information, ignorance is a choice”. There is no choice if you cannot afford to bring a claim.

The Relativity Justice for Change program aims to apply the power of Relativity’s cloud-based RelativityOne, and of Relativity’s partnerships, to bring positive help to the fight for racial and social justice. The resources needed to discover the truth are as relevant in that kind of claim as in any commercial or criminal dispute.

The program allows organisations doing legal work with justice as its aim to apply for free use of RelativityOne. Successful applicants can use up to 500 GB of data for 10 users for 24 months without charge. In addition, the program links these organisations with a business in Relativity’s network – a law firm or an eDiscovery service provider, for example. Phil Saunders, CEO of Relativity, says of this that “the possibilities are limitless when you combine the brightest minds and most innovative technology in eDiscovery to power the pursuit of justice.”

The program has been running in the US since 2020, expanded to Australia and New Zealand in 2022 and then to Canada. It is now the turn of EMEA.

Two cases in Europe are already running under the Justice for Change program with the help of four of Relativity’s partners, Alvarez & Marsal, Complete Discovery Source (CDS), Epiq, and Intelligent Voice, who between them provide hosting, project management, and technical support. Epiq said “The global Epiq team see the programme as a great opportunity to help make a difference for under-served communities, whilst providing opportunities for Epiq staff to volunteer their time in support of a great cause.”

Organisations interested in applying to the Justice for Change programme should fill out this form.

Justice for Change is not Relativity’s only such initiative. The Relativity Academic Partner Program exists to give students hands-on experience of discovery technology during their studies, fitting them for a technology-related career when they graduate.

Relativity has been working with Microsoft on both these initiatives, and has recently announced an expansion of its cooperation with Microsoft. The press release is here. Microsoft will set up opportunities for volunteers and for community engagement projects supported by Microsoft employees. Microsoft Tech for Social Impact is a part of Microsoft Philanthropies, which aims, among other things, to bring the benefits of cloud-based tools and technologies to nonprofit organisations.

Between them, these two initiatives bring practical hands-on help to students before they graduate, and practical assistance to deserving organisations who could not otherwise afford the use of tools like RelativityOne. Both are calculated to make an impact in places where it really counts.

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