Chatbot gives students legal info via Facebook Messenger

There’s nothing quite like it in New Zealand, says Community Law

Chatbot gives students legal info via Facebook Messenger
A chatbot that gives students and parents legal information related to problems at school has been launched by Community Law Wellington.

Called “Wagbot,” the software is based on the content of a book published by Community Law Wellington, which it gives users who take part in a conversation.

“There is nothing out there quite like this in New Zealand. Wagbot can understand natural language and gets smarter over time the more people chat to it,” said Geoffrey Roberts, Community Law Wellington general manager.

Matthew Bartlett, who led the technical development of the chatbot, said that it works well as a way of advising people of their options via conversations.

“It’s very quick to respond, can chat to multiple people at once and you don’t need to download an app as it is freely available through Facebook Messenger,” he said.

The chatbot has already seen a spike in use over the last few weeks, said Community Law. As more and more teenagers use the chatbot, it uses artificial intelligence to learn from its chats and improve.

According to its developers, they will next tackle how to apply Wagbot’s technology to the 900-page Community Law Manual, which has nearly 3,000 questions and answers about legal issues. Community Law Wellington is also in talks with several organisations about possibly partnering to develop “Wagbot” interfaces for other applications.


Related stories:
Parking ticket robot lawyer now aids refugees
Innovator assists law firms build their own robot lawyers

Recent articles & video

EU FTA ratified as legislation gets Royal Assent

Domain Legal principal urges lawyers to 'stay curious'

Lawyer accused of pressuring dementia-stricken mum into granting him power of attorney

Corcoran French expands partnership with seasoned solicitor

NZ legal professionals mourn lawyer's death in Sydney car accident

Standards committee finds unsatisfactory conduct in senior lawyer's comment to junior staff

Most Read Articles

Tauranga firm brings in new senior solicitor

Standards committee finds unsatisfactory conduct in senior lawyer's comment to junior staff

NZ legal professionals mourn lawyer's death in Sydney car accident

Lawyer accused of pressuring dementia-stricken mum into granting him power of attorney