Promoting Justice for All
Roughly 5 billion people worldwide have unmet justice needs. We are committed to addressing the access to justice gap through the efforts of our employees and partners, and the use of our technology at scale. Our goal is to create solutions that promote justice for all.
“At Microsoft, we believe the combined power of human effort and digital transformation can drive impactful solutions.”
Hossein Nowbar
Beth Henderson
2024 Impact by the Numbers
Achieving more through technology
Scaling impact with the DACA Copilot
A new Azure AI-enabled solution will streamline operations and expand capacity for DACA Clinics, in which Microsoft volunteers help applicants file renewals for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. A cross-Microsoft team developed the platform, which will increase the number of DACA applicants the clinics can serve and provide the infrastructure to meet an expected surge in demand.
90% anticipated reduction in time to complete renewals using the DACA Copilot
Microsoft has long supported unaccompanied children and other vulnerable immigrants in securing safety through the legal process. We are modernizing and scaling our approach to expanding access to immigration justice through our pro bono volunteers and technology.
“It was such a powerful experience to use my litigation skills to fundamentally change these kids' lives.”
Cindy Randall
Through our work with the Seattle Clemency Project and the Virtual Records Clinic, we help reformed individuals reduce their sentence, secure release from prison, seek pardons for convictions, and clear past convictions from their record. This allows justice-impacted individuals who are deserving of a second chance to contribute to their families and communities.
“I was scheduled to die in prison. This team of people worked tirelessly to get me in front of the Washington Clemency and Pardons Board to display who I was.”
Anthony Wright
Beyond the regularly scheduled Virtual Records Clinics, we have introduced a new self-service model enhanced by Microsoft technology. The expedited approach enables volunteers to connect with clients and manage cases at their convenience, which will allow them to support more clients, more efficiently.
Members of the U.S. military work tirelessly to protect our country and its democratic principles, including freedom of the press. We are proud to support military veterans, journalists, and small newsrooms in need of legal aid through our pro bono partnerships with the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) and ProJourn.
A digital transformation automation project is helping volunteers efficiently review thousands of pages of military and medical paperwork, then develop narratives needed to assess veterans’ discharge upgrade requests with NVLSP. We anticipate that the solution will help NVLSP resolve backlogs of requests from veterans seeking discharge upgrade support.
“ProJourn is a great way to use your legal skills to support the backbone of a fair, functioning democracy.”
Sima Sarrafan
ProJourn Co-founder and volunteer, and Assistant General Counsel
Legal assistance from volunteers with ProJourn strengthened the KNKX newsroom’s confidence to publish a story that uncovered allegations of racial and sexual harassment and player endangerment by two youth league soccer coaches in Redmond, Washington. This resulted in the reopening of investigations into the coaches, concluding in the suspension of their licenses.
Learn about our efforts to support veterans and journalists >
Microsoft Pro Bono
Working together to close the gap in legal services
The Microsoft Pro Bono Program’s goal is to inspire and empower our employees and community partners to create solutions that promote justice for all by providing those in need with access to legal knowledge, resources, and services.
