Gerald Abila

Gerald Abila is an innovative attorney and social entrepreneur from Uganda, best known as the founder of BarefootLaw, a groundbreaking non-profit organization that uses digital technology to make legal services accessible to underserved communities.

Professional Background:

• Trained as an attorney, graduating at the top of his class
• Holds an LLB and a diploma in legal practice
• Founder and Executive Director of BarefootLaw, established in 2012
• Lecturer at Kampala International University

BarefootLaw Mission: BarefootLaw aims to democratize legal access by utilizing innovative technologies. The organization's key objectives include:

• Providing free legal information and guidance
• Using digital platforms like mobile phones, internet, and radio
• Reaching underserved communities across Uganda and Africa
• Goal to reach 50 million people in Africa by 203012

Technological Innovation: Abila pioneered unique approaches to legal access, including:

• Mobile "justice boxes" in rural communities
• AI-powered legal assistance
• Simplified legal information broadcasting
• Leveraging platforms like SMS, Facebook, and community outreach2

Awards and Recognition:

• American Bar Association Legal Rebel
• Echoing Green Fellow
• Draper Richards Kaplan Entrepreneur
• Rainer Arnhold Fellow
• Named among 100 leading Legal Consultants globally
• Schwab Foundation Social Innovation Awards Finalist134

Personal Philosophy: Abila believes that access to law and justice are fundamental to creating an equitable society, and that technology can play a crucial role in making legal information and support widely available.3