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Many employees experience workplace mistreatment but rarely seek legal help. The reason often lies in how expensive and overwhelming the process feels. Most give up and simply leave their job without ever filing a complaint. Danae Shell heard countless stories like this over the years. Time after time, people faced real issues at work but walked away due to the complexity of taking legal action. This constant pattern frustrated her deeply.
In 2022, she decided to create a platform that breaks these barriers. That platform is Valla—a legal tech startup that helps workers handle employment law cases without needing a lawyer. Over 12,000 users have already found support through the platform.
A Digital Platform Designed to Empower Workers
Valla is built with a mission to make employment law support easy and accessible. Users don’t need legal training to navigate the system. The platform simplifies every stage of filing complaints and resolving issues. Users can document their situation, store evidence, and generate legal documents. They also have the option to speak with expert legal coaches. These coaches guide them step by step without charging heavy fees.
The platform brings clarity to a legal area most workers avoid. By providing people with tools they can understand and afford, Valla empowers them to take action confidently and independently.
Solving Legal Problems With Smart Technology
One of Valla’s biggest innovations is its use of generative AI. This AI acts like a virtual legal assistant, supporting both the user and the coach behind the scenes. It performs multiple tasks such as:
- Creating and updating case summaries
- Sending follow-up reminders
- Generating and organizing legal documents
The AI helps users stay on track by:
- Preparing case notes for legal coaches
- Tracking the progress of each case
- Managing deadlines and to-do lists
Valla Offers Legal Coaching Without the High Cost
Unlike traditional legal services, Valla provides affordable coaching rather than full legal representation. Coaches provide users with guidance on how to navigate various stages of their case, such as drafting a tribunal claim or preparing for hearings. Coaching packages can be bought based on the user’s needs. Whether it’s advice for an early-stage problem or help preparing for a court session, Valla offers the right level of support at the right time.
This flexible model empowers workers to regain control. They decide what kind of help they need without worrying about breaking the bank.
Valla’s Recent Investment Signals Strong Growth
Valla recently raised £2 million (about $2.7 million) in a seed funding round. The round was led by Ada Ventures, with participation from Active Partners, Portfolio Ventures, Techstart, and the Resolution Foundation.
Investors were impressed by the platform’s early traction and innovative use of generative AI. Valla’s success so far suggests that there is a strong demand for more affordable and accessible legal services for workers.
This new funding represents a significant milestone. With this support, Valla can accelerate growth and reach even more users who need help with workplace legal issues.
Scaling Operations Through New Partnerships
Valla plans to use part of the funding to grow its marketing efforts and expand user outreach. This means more workers will learn about the platform and understand that legal support doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. The team also wants to build strong relationships with trade unions and insurance companies. These partnerships can help scale the platform’s reach and give users more ways to access Valla’s services. Collaboration with organizations that already support workers will help build trust and bring the service into new industries and communities.
New AI Features Will Make Legal Help Even Smoother
Beyond marketing and partnerships, Valla is focused on product development. The team is working to expand the platform’s AI features to give users more powerful tools for managing their legal cases.
Upcoming AI updates will include:
- Faster document creation with automated drafting support
- Smarter evidence collection using AI-assisted tagging and organization
- More intuitive case tracking with real-time updates and task reminders
These features aim to reduce the workload for both users and coaches. The platform becomes easier to use while delivering more accurate, organized support at each stage.
Moving Beyond Employment Law Into New Legal Areas
Currently, Valla focuses on employment law, but the company is preparing to expand its offerings. Next on the list are small claims and tenancy-related issues, which can also be difficult for individuals to resolve without legal assistance.
These areas often involve conflicts that may seem minor but have a significant personal impact. Whether it’s recovering unpaid rent or resolving landlord disputes, people need tools to act without hiring expensive professionals. By applying the same AI-powered coaching model, Valla can provide clarity and support for a wide range of everyday legal issues.
Plans to Expand Valla Internationally
Although Valla is currently UK-based, the team is actively exploring international expansion. Target regions include:
- United States where legal costs are high and many employees struggle to access justice
- Europe where similar challenges exist in navigating employment laws affordably
Shell believes Valla’s model is applicable globally, especially in regions where workers face:
- Complex legal systems that deter self-representation
- Unequal power dynamics with employers
- Limited access to affordable legal guidance
Faq’s
What does Valla do for workers?
Valla helps workers manage legal issues at work by providing them with access to digital tools and legal coaching, all without the need to hire a lawyer.
Is Valla only for employment law?
Currently, yes, but Valla plans to expand into small claims and tenancy issues soon, offering the same level of accessible support.
How does the coaching service work?
Users can purchase coaching packages that guide them through legal tasks, such as writing claims or preparing for hearings, with expert advice.
What role does AI play in Valla?
Valla uses AI to summarize cases, manage reminders, assist coaches, and generate documents, streamlining the legal process for users.
Can people outside the UK use Valla?
Not yet, but Valla is actively exploring options to expand into international markets such as the U.S. and parts of Europe.
Concusion
Valla is transforming how workers handle legal issues by combining technology, expert coaching, and AI-driven tools. With $2.7 million in new funding, the platform is expanding into areas such as small claims and tenancy while preparing for a global reach. Focused on breaking down legal complexity and cost barriers, Valla empowers individuals to take control of their rights without needing expensive legal representation. As it grows, Valla continues its mission to make justice simple, affordable, and accessible for workers everywhere.
