Model Practices & Innovations
LSC's Model Practices & Innovations page offers numerous resources on providing and managing legal services, legal aid technology, and strategic planning.
In this case study, learn how Oklahoma Indian Legal Services builds trust and relationships with tribal nations to deliver legal services.
In this case study, hear from three LSC grantees who have fostered data cultures to inform their activities and increase their legal service capacity.
Learn how California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc., integrates human-centered technology into its interpretation and translation services to enhance language access for rural Californians.
Learn about tips to enhance resource readability in this collaborative infographic from LSC's Model Practices & Innovations and the Legal Services National Technology Assistance Project.
Explore new MPI resources and articles on legal aid topics like technology, management, bridging the digital divide, evictions, and more!
Evaluating Access to Justice: Community Research Strategies in Legal Needs Assessments
Learn how three different LSC grantees used community research strategies to inform their comprehensive legal needs assessments.
Leadership Transitions: Key Elements in Legal Aid Succession Plans
Learn about the key elements that LSC grantees include in their succession plans to guide them through executive leadership departures.
Disaster Preparedness: Promoting Heartland Disaster Help
In this infographic, learn about how LSC grantees can integrate LSC's Heartland Disaster Help website into their legal aid services nationwide.
Nevada Legal Services: Building a Statewide Legal Kiosk Network
In this project brief, learn how Nevada Legal Services leveraged partnerships with community libraries to install a network of legal kiosks.
Serving Rural Veterans: Pine Tree Legal Assistance’s Veteran Medical-Legal Partnership Model
In this case study, learn how Pine Tree Legal Assistance pioneered an innovative medical-legal partnership with the veteran healthcare system in Maine.
Michigan Indian Legal Services: Building Trust and Increasing Justice Through Presence in Tribal Communities
In this case study, learn how Michigan Indian Legal Services establishes trust within tribal communities by maintaining an active in-person presence.
Learn More about Model Practices and Innovations
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Plan Strategically
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Provide Legal Services
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Management
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Technology
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MPI Newsletters
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MPI Resource Archive
Strategic planning is especially critical in times of limited resources when the demand for service continues to rise. Strategic planning starts with an assessment of the most pressing legal needs and covers internal management, organization mission growth, and relations with your local community.
Learn how to:
- Conduct needs assessments and set priorities
- Develop and implement strategic plans
- Evaluate your organization's effectiveness and make adjustments
Legal aid organizations should treat those seeking assistance and clients accepted for services with dignity and compassion. Effective representation begins with a relationship of mutual trust and respect. Everyone at your legal aid organization should continually strive to maximize the effectiveness of legal services and achieve meaningful and lasting results on behalf of clients.
Learn how to:
- Provide client access and conduct intake
- Engage diverse populations
- Provide language access
- Represent clients effectively
- Manage and supervise legal work
- Engage volunteers
- Assist unrepresented people in your community
A well-run legal aid organization is governed by a committed and involved board of directors that exercises independent judgment in carrying out its fiduciary responsibility to the organization. Key leadership, starting with the executive director, sets the tone for excellence by establishing a shared vision and mission and managing efficiently and effectively so that resources are preserved and allocated to achieve the greatest impact in the community.
Learn how to:
- Achieve effective board governance
- Lead effectively
- Manage and administer the organization
- Use technology
- Establish responsible financial management
- Communicate effectively internally and externally
- Continue to grow resources
The use of technology in legal aid programs is constantly evolving in ways that increase efficiency and enhance service delivery for LSC grantees. The Best Practices Corner’s technology resources are designed to help grantees understand the current state of technology in legal aid offices, plan for future developments, and review successful projects and systems.
Find previously released editions of the MPI Quarterly Newsletter here.
Visit this webpage to access resources shared by LSC grantees on topics such as needs assessments, strategic plans, technology solutions, and more.
Training & Technical Assistance Team
The Office of Program Performance