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Access DOJ

Designing people-centered solutions to make our services more accessible, effective, and efficient.

Millions of people interact with DOJ every day through our mission to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights. Simplifying access to our programs, services and resources will enhance our ability to deliver on this mission.

Illustration of a diverse group of people in front of the Department of Justice building

Who We Are

Access DOJ is a department-wide initiative led by the Office for Access to Justice that works to make DOJ’s services more:

  • Accessible – Ensure our information is easy for everyone to find, understand, and use.
  • Effective – Address the needs of the diverse communities we serve and close justice gaps.
  • Efficient – Reduce burdens on the public and DOJ staff, streamline resources, and save taxpayer dollars.

Our Approach: Designing for Access to Justice

Human-centered design (HCD) is a people-centered problem-solving process used to develop solutions that address people’s needs. Scholars, experts, and practitioners are increasingly exploring how human-centered approaches can expand access to justice.

 

Venn diagram depicting one circle for Human-Centered Design, one circle for Access to Justice, and the area where the circles overlap as Designing for Access to Justice

Here's how it works:

  • Learn – Review existing research and talk with the people most impacted by the justice gap about their needs.
  • Create – Identify and shape solutions to help DOJ better meet those needs.
  • Evaluate – Test the solution to ensure the justice gap is being closed.

What this looks like in practice:

  • Usability Testing – Getting feedback from people who use DOJ’s forms, websites, and services to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Researching Best Practices – Identifying and incorporating approaches proven to expand access to justice.
  • Listening Sessions – Engaging with diverse voices, including the community, advocates, legal aid providers, public defenders, and access to justice leaders to inform simplification efforts.
  • Analyzing data – Reviewing data on public engagement and interaction to expand access to public-facing information.

“When government forms and processes are only accessible to lawyers or those who can afford them, everyone suffers and the justice gap widens. We remain committed to ensuring that every American can truly access the legal system, services, and benefits of this nation.”

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland
2022 Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable Report

What We Do

Access DOJ collaborates with DOJ components to make their programs, resources, and services more accessible, effective, and efficient. We do so through three main areas of work:

  • High-Impact Projects: We annually conduct high-impact projects in partnership with Justice Department components, providing intensive planning, research and design support. 

  • Resources and Technical Support: We deliver hands-on coaching and support in methods like usability testing and plain language. We also promote the development of human-centered design knowledge and skills through Access DOJ’s resources and trainings. 

  • Community of Practice: We chair a community of practice with representatives from across the Department to improve services through design, share successes and challenges, and identify solutions to advance this work together. 

Case Studies

Here’s how the Access DOJ initiative is making DOJ services more accessible, effective, and efficient.

Illustration of a man reviewing papers
Removing Barriers to Applying for a Presidential Pardon

In collaboration with Office of the Pardon Attorney (PARDON)

Illustration of a woman holding phone and papers
Increasing Access to Required Bankruptcy Meetings

In collaboration with the U.S. Trustee Program (USTP)

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