University of Arizona College of Law Presents Inaugural Changemaker Award to Justice Technology Association
The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law is pleased to announce Justice Technology Association (JTA) as the inaugural recipient of its Changemaker Award, an honor recognizing innovative leaders who advance access to justice through forward-thinking approaches in legal service delivery, technology, or policy reform. Established by the College’s Innovation for Justice (i4J) program, the Changemaker Award celebrates impactful contributions from public and private law firms, nonprofit organizations, and government entities that are tackling pressing civil justice needs in their communities. The award was made possible through a generous contribution from University of Arizona Law alumnus Stephen Golden (’02).
“We are thrilled to honor the Justice Technology Association for their visionary approach and impactful work in addressing the access to justice crisis through innovation and technology,” said Stacy Rupprecht Jane, director of i4J. “The Changemaker Award recognizes organizations making tangible, sustainable impacts, and JTA exemplifies the qualities we sought in our inaugural honoree.”
JTA stands out as a forward-thinking organization uniting tech entrepreneurs focused on transforming the legal landscape to make justice accessible, equitable, and efficient. With the U.S. currently ranking 107th of 142 countries in legal accessibility and affordability, and 115th in a legal system free of discrimination, JTA is meeting a critical need by advancing technology to bridge the access gap. From its founding in 2022, JTA has built a thriving ecosystem of justice tech entrepreneurs, policy experts, and industry leaders working to ensure the legal system serves everyone, not just those who can afford it.
“Justice tech founders are changing lives and creating a new vision for the future of justice equity, but face an uphill battle hampered by lack of access to capital, difficulty with network penetration, and outmoded industry constraints,” explained JTA Executive Director Maya Markovich. “JTA provides crucial early-stage support to these visionary startups and we’re deeply honored that University of Arizona believes so strongly in not only our organization, but the nascent justice tech sector and the opportunity presented by technology - particularly generative AI - to level the playing field rather than exacerbate injustice.”
JTA’s multifaceted mission includes fostering a support system for justice tech entrepreneurs, sharing ethically gathered data, raising public awareness on technology’s role in legal empowerment, and minimizing systemic and market barriers to justice. Through its strong voice for overlooked communities, partnerships with multiple investors, law schools and legal aid organizations, and a prominent advisory board, JTA has become the authoritative justice tech resource and a powerful nexus convening diverse stakeholders to drive access to justice for all. Their programs include monthly mentorship, networking and media opportunities for over 40 startups, legislative reform advocacy, and data-driven initiatives to identify and address pressing consumer legal needs.
JTA has recently launched its second justice tech startup accelerator and is planning a landmark State of Justice Tech conference, both aimed at scaling innovation and bringing more attention to the sector. With ongoing efforts to expand support to underrepresented justice tech entrepreneurs, JTA’s dedication to increasing justice access through technological solutions aligns powerfully with the goals of the Changemaker Award.
The organization will receive the award during a celebration this spring. With JTA as its first recipient, the University of Arizona College of Law’s Changemaker Award highlights the College’s commitment to supporting transformative leaders advancing equitable access to justice.
For more information about the Changemaker Award of the Innovation for Justice program please visit our website.
About Justice Technology Association
Justice Technology Association is a nonprofit trade group that supports tech entrepreneurs building solutions to enhance access to justice. JTA grows, shapes, and organizes the emerging justice tech ecosystem and builds awareness of the sector. By uniting legal professionals, technologists, and policymakers, JTA drives impactful change and advocates for ethical tech in justice processes. Our mission is to empower communities and ensure equitable access to legal resources for all. Join us in transforming the future of justice through technology.