AI Legal Tool Won $5 Million Grant for National Expansion
The funding will scale a wage theft reporting tool to help workers across the U.S. pursue lost pay claims.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Employment
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Scale Justice received a $5 million grant from the Aspen Institute to bring its Reclamo.AI legal aid platform to a national audience. The expansion aims to assist workers experiencing wage theft and labor violations by providing automated legal guidance.
Why it matters
The grant addresses significant barriers to legal access for immigrant and non-English-speaking workers, who often face challenges navigating labor laws. By scaling this technology, the organization seeks to increase worker recovery of underpaid wages across the United States.
The platform has already facilitated the filing of $1.5 million in lost wage claims. This success follows usage by 5,000 people over the past 18 months, with the new $5 million grant intended to scale these operations beyond New York City.
The players
Scale Justice
A non-profit organization that develops digital tools to help workers identify and address workplace labor violations.
Aspen Institute
A global nonprofit organization that provides research, leadership programs, and grants through initiatives like the Workplace Innovation Now Challenge.
The details
Reclamo.AI uses an AI-powered chatbot to help workers identify potential labor violations like wage theft and underpayment. The platform provides automated guidance on labor law and helps users contact attorneys. Future software updates will focus on case building, evidence gathering, and tools for organizing coworkers to address systemic workplace issues.
Timeline
Over the past 18 months, more than 5,000 people have used the tool.
The grant award was announced on October 8, 2026.
Money Landscape
This award follows the precedents set by the Aspen Institute's Workplace Innovation Now Challenge to modernize legal support for vulnerable workers. It highlights an ongoing shift toward using AI-driven automation to reduce the costs of navigating labor disputes.
Workers who have experienced underpayment or wage theft can currently use the English and Spanish language chatbot to explore potential legal claims. You should consult with a qualified labor attorney or professional advisor before relying on automated tools for legal case building.
The takeaway
AI tools are increasingly being used to bridge the legal gap for workers seeking to recover stolen wages. If you believe you are owed back pay, consider tracking your hours and document any communication with your employer while you explore your rights with a qualified professional.
Further reading
Find more context on local labor rights and resources in our Employment section.
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Do you believe AI-powered tools are an effective way to help workers resolve legal workplace disputes?
