Oxford partners with Microsoft and Anthropic to support AI startups tackling access to justice
The new 12-month Justice Innovators Programme will support up to 10 organizations developing technology to improve access to legal services, with technical assistance from both companies
The Oxford Justice Innovators Programme brings together the University of Oxford's Institute of Technology and Justice, Microsoft and Anthropic to support organizations developing technology that expands access to legal services
The University of Oxford's Institute of Technology and Justice has partnered with Microsoft and Anthropic to establish a 12-month program supporting startups, nonprofits and other innovators using technology to improve access to justice.
The Oxford Justice Innovators Programme will select up to 10 participants, providing access to technical expertise, mentorship and resources from the two technology companies as they develop solutions intended to make legal services more accessible.
The initiative was announced at an event attended by Amal Clooney, Co-founder of the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice, alongside representatives from Microsoft and Anthropic.
According to the institute, only one in 10 people worldwide who need a lawyer can access one. The new program will focus on supporting organizations developing technology to help address that gap, including AI applications designed to extend the reach of existing legal professionals.
Microsoft and Anthropic to provide technical support
Selected participants will join a year-long program, with support potentially including cloud and AI model credits, technical mentorship, training and opportunities to collaborate with other organizations working across the legal and technology sectors.
Elizabeth Kelly, Head of Beneficial Deployments at Anthropic, confirmed in a LinkedIn post that the company has committed to providing every selected participant with Claude credits and direct engineering support throughout the program.
Kelly also emphasized the importance of involving the communities that will ultimately use the technology.
"With this initiative, we can help make sure AI tools are built with and for the communities they're meant to serve," she wrote.
Microsoft will contribute technical expertise and resources to the partnership.
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, says the development of AI tools for legal services needs to involve the professionals already working in the sector: "AI can change that, but only if it's built alongside the people doing the work."
Oxford institute brings together legal research and AI development
The program is being delivered through the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice, a partnership between the University of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government and the Clooney Foundation for Justice.
Co-founded by Clooney, Visiting Professor of Practice in International Law, and Philippa Webb KC, Professor of Public International Law at Oxford, the institute focuses on using AI to expand access to legal information, connect lawyers with people who need assistance and examine the risks associated with introducing AI into justice systems.
The Clooney Foundation for Justice currently works across more than 40 countries, providing legal assistance, supporting legal fellowships and developing technology-led approaches to justice.
Daniela Amodei, Co-founder and President of Anthropic, says the collaboration is intended to make greater use of existing legal expertise:
"The Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice is using AI to extend the reach of talented lawyers and bring justice into reach for millions more people, and we're excited to collaborate with them to help solve this previously insurmountable problem."
The Oxford Justice Innovators Programme will support up to 10 selected organizations over 12 months, with Microsoft and Anthropic providing technical assistance as participants develop their proposed solutions.
ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 open for entries
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 are now open for entries, with 26 categories recognising companies, institutions, projects and individuals making a measurable impact across education technology. The global awards span AI in education, digital learning, higher education, skills and workforce, inclusion, education operations, evidence and impact, with entries managed through ETIH’s new online awards platform.
Entries are open worldwide, with the early-bird deadline on Friday 18 December 2026 and the final entry deadline on Friday 26 February 2027 at 23:59 UK time.
Explore the 2027 categories and judging criteria, read the How to Enter guide or start an entry through the ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 platform.
