The New Zealand Dispute Resolution Project

In the realm of legal dispute resolution, case management is often a complex process that demands customized workflows tailored to meet the needs of each firm. The New Zealand Dispute Resolution Project was designed to address these complexities by developing a no-code platform for a large legal firm in Auckland. This platform would enable the firm to create fully customizable case management applications without needing extensive developer input.

I joined the team mid-project, stepping into the roles of co-project manager and frontend developer. Our mission was to deliver two key applications—the tenant and planner apps—while integrating a custom .NET API. These applications were part of a larger product, allowing the legal firm to create, design, and deploy tenant applications complete with personalized data structures, workflows, and user interfaces. The platform could deploy across various environments, from development to production, ensuring seamless transitions through its lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities and Contributions

When I joined the project, the team was racing against a tight deadline that carried significant legal implications. I quickly adapted to the project’s scope and assumed dual responsibilities—managing the project alongside the lead while contributing to the development of the frontend applications.

My primary technical contribution involved frontend development for both the planner and tenant applications, using ReactJS. Additionally, I conducted thorough code reviews for the client’s internal team, ensuring that quality and security standards were maintained. I also played a key role in training the client’s internal graduate developers, empowering them with knowledge of the product and ReactJS development practices.

One of the most interesting challenges was the creation of a custom user-friendly scripting language using HandlebarsJS. This scripting language was essential for the custom UI builder, allowing users to create dynamic and responsive user interfaces without diving into complex code.

Overcoming Challenges

As a no-code platform designed for legal workflows, the project required a significant amount of abstraction, which added complexity to the development process. My role involved not only coding but also managing the expectations and needs of the client, all while adapting quickly to the existing project architecture.

One of the critical aspects was working with the client’s team while they began building their workflows on the incomplete platform. We needed to balance the ongoing development with providing immediate support, which required constant communication and quick responses to challenges as they arose.

Another significant challenge was ensuring that the platform passed an external penetration test, a requirement due to the legal nature of the firm’s work. We prioritized security in our development process, ensuring that the platform would withstand rigorous testing and meet the necessary compliance standards.

Technical Stack

The New Zealand Dispute Resolution Project was built using modern web technologies that ensured scalability and flexibility. We used ReactJS and TypeScript for frontend development, while GraphQL and Apollo provided efficient data fetching capabilities. Additionally, TailwindCSS was used for styling, offering a streamlined way to create responsive and modern user interfaces. Authentication was handled using Microsoft B2C Auth, ensuring secure access to the platform, and HandlebarsJS played a crucial role in creating the custom scripting language for dynamic UI components.

Tech Stack Overview:

  • Frontend: ReactJS, TypeScript
  • Testing: Jest
  • Data Management: GraphQL, Apollo
  • Authentication: Microsoft B2C Auth
  • Custom UI Scripting: HandlebarsJS
  • Styling: TailwindCSS

Final Thoughts

The New Zealand Dispute Resolution Project was a unique and challenging experience that pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved with no-code platforms. By combining custom workflows, advanced scripting, and a secure, scalable infrastructure, we were able to deliver a product that empowers legal firms to create solutions tailored to their needs.

From stepping in mid-project to co-managing the team and delivering a critical solution, this project was an exercise in leadership, collaboration, and technical expertise. It stands as a key example of the transformative power of no-code platforms in the legal industry.