Pathways to Justice 2019

Virtual reality is an effective immersive learning tool in the right contexts but to our knowledge, isn't used yet to train attorneys. We'll describe and demo a VR training we developed to prepare pro bono attorneys for a new area of law, and for working in a clinical setting that differs from their usual offices. Attendees will be able to experience our completed training, and learn how to create their own 360-degree videos. We aim to bring a 360-degree camera and engage attendees in creating a short demo video.

Issues we'll address:
- What is virtual reality and where is it useful as a training tool
- How to create and use VR trainings
- Time and expsense required, and how to integrate that into a legal aid nonprofit's resources
- Other uses for VR in legal aid

Presenters will briefly describe how a collaboration with Access to Justice Lab at Harvard Law School led to a study of how VR may enhance traditional training for a clinic in which attorneys negotiate settlements for tenants facing eviction. The clinic takes place in the hallways of the San Francisco Housing Court, a vastly different work environment from our volunteer attorneys’ usual work spaces. Presenters will describe how we chose typical scenarios to “show” prospective volunteers, to alleviate hesitation to take on the unknown and make them feel better prepared. With VR goggles donated from a tech company, we’re showing VR videos to some trainees, and studying whether they’re more likely to actually volunteer, achieve better results, and/or feel better equipped from receiving immersive teaching in addition to traditional talking and photos. We recently launched the VR training and will have initial observations to offer, as well as offer attendees an opportunity to try the VR experiences themselves.