Rohan Pavuluri

In the U.S., millions of Americans are prevented from accessing their basic civil rights because of complex paperwork and the high cost of legal fees. For example, filing for bankruptcy is extremely arduous, and the average fee for a bankruptcy lawyer—$1,500—is often prohibitively expensive.

Rohan Pavuluri is working to transform America’s legal system so that everyone can access their rights, regardless of their financial situation. He is the founder and CEO of Upsolve, a nonprofit organization that makes technology to help Americans navigate the complex and expensive legal system. Upsolve’s first product is a free, self-service software tool to help low-income people file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. To date, Upsolve has helped relieve more than $400 million in debt for vulnerable individuals suffering under the weight of medical bills, predatory loan payments, the high cost of unemployment, and more.

Now, Pavuluri and Upsolve are expanding their mission through an innovative model rooted in technology, education, and community. “We’re fighting for a new civil right in America,” Pavuluri says. “The right to access your civil rights regardless of how much money you have in your bank account.”