Lawrence Blackmon and Roger Roman, both graduates of Howard University, have launched LegalEase — a Black-owned justice-tech startup aimed at making criminal record expungement simple, fast, and accessible. Using artificial intelligence, the platform helps users check their eligibility and file court petitions in about five minutes, all without needing a lawyer.
The service is already active across Mississippi, with plans to expand into Illinois and the D.C./Maryland region this fall. LegalEase will continue to launch state by state, with a goal of full U.S. coverage by early 2027.
LegalEase uses an AI assistant named Wilma to guide users through the process in real time, offering access by phone, web chat, or SMS text. The goal is to eliminate the high cost and lengthy delays usually associated with clearing a record — an issue that affects an estimated 70 million Americans, often limiting employment and housing opportunities.
“Too many neighbors have waited years for a second chance,” said Blackmon. “By letting folks call, click, or text their way to a clean slate, we’re proving that equal justice can scale—from Jackson today to every zip code in America tomorrow.”
Roman added, “Clearing a record should be as routine as paying a bill online. Text Wilma, get your answer, file the paperwork, and move forward. When a five-minute chat opens doors across the country, the system is finally working for everyone.”
Key Features of LegalEase:
- Nationwide Rollout Plan: Now live in Mississippi; adding states every quarter with full access targeted for early 2027.
- Multi-Channel Access: Phone, web chat, and SMS support.
- AI Eligibility Check: Wilma, the AI guide, is trained on state-by-state legal codes.
- Service Options: $150 for DIY filing or $500 for full-service support.
- Tracking and Support: Users can track their case status from submission to court approval.
- Community Clinics: “Expungement Express” events begin this September.
About LegalEase
Based in Canton, Mississippi, LegalEase turns complex legal processes into user-friendly conversations. The company aims to complete one million expungements by 2030 and plans to expand into other areas of civil legal support using AI. Visit LegalEase.com for more.
About the Founders
Lawrence Blackmon is a Mississippi State Representative and holds degrees from Howard University, Mississippi College School of Law, and George Washington University. His father, Edward Blackmon, is also a Tougaloo College graduate and a practicing attorney in Mississippi for four decades.
Roger Roman, also a Howard graduate, studied English and African American Studies. He’s a two-time tech founder, investor, and a recipient of the Google Black Founders Fund. He serves on the board of Starting With Today, a mental wellness nonprofit based in Washington, D.C.
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