Model Practices & Innovations
LSC's Model Practices & Innovations page offers numerous resources on providing and managing legal services, legal aid technology, and strategic planning.
Discover the latest MPI info sheets that provide comprehensive details about the free training offered by LSC and OCLC: "Creating Pathways to Civil Legal Justice" and "Navigating Civil Legal Issues after Natural Disasters." These training programs are specifically designed for public libraries to collaborate with LSC grantees. The aim is to enhance access to civil legal aid within their communities.
Read the new Model Practices & Innovations article featuring Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF)! LSNF uses a variety of strategies to successfully bridge the digital divide for victims of natural disasters and those isolated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn how LSC grantees like Legal Services of North Florida partner with public libraries that can identify their patrons' potential legal issues and direct them to LSNF for services!
This MPI article features Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM) and its strategies to reach low-income residents disadvantaged by gaps in technology access through its legal kiosks and Justice Buses, as well as replicable practices and lessons learned.
Explore new MPI resources and articles on legal aid topics like technology, management, bridging the digital divide, evictions, and more!
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 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:
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Conduct needs assessments and set priorities
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Develop and implement strategic plans
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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.
Visit this webpage to access resources shared by LSC grantees on topics such as needs assessments, strategic plans, technology solutions, and more.
Model Practices and Innovations Newsletter
The Model Practices and Innovations Quarterly Newsletter will provide subscribers with articles on grantee model practices on specific subjects, relevant LSC resources, and news stories highlighting grantee activities. The first edition of the relaunched newsletter will be released in June 2022. Click below to subscribe to the newsletter!
Training & Technical Assistance Team
The Office of Program Performance