New app for phone to help find a lawyer

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A Roger Williams University professor and lawyer co-founded a new application, LawyerUp, making legal advice accessible at all times.

"The thought was if I can get a pizza in 15 minutes why can't I get a lawyer in 15 minutes," LawyerUp attorney, Jason Knight said.

Currently available for Android phones, it will soon be ready for purchase on the iPhone.

"You don't have to go online and read reviews and try to make the best decision. You can press a button and a lawyer, a qualified lawyer will be dispatched immediately to help you out with your problem," said Knight.

Signing up through the app is $5 a month and $250 for the first hour with your lawyer compared to an additional $100 that will be charged on the spot. Attorney's videos posted on the app claim the cost is worth it.

"The sooner involved with a lawyer the better equipped you are. To not only protect your rights but also to limit your liability," LawyerUp attorney, Leonard Milligan said.

Knight adds, "you could end up spending the whole night in jail but if you have a lawyer with you they can get you out with relatively short amount of time."

So far, LawyerUp says nearly a thousand people are signed up. Although Knight has not been called in yet, he said he is ready.

"You know if I get that call at 2 o'clock in the morning...You know I'm on it," Knight said.

While no one in Rhode Island has needed to take advantage of the site, LawyerUp believes that will change soon enough.