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.

Visit this webpage to access resources shared by LSC grantees on topics such as needs assessments, strategic plans, technology solutions, and more.

LSC overhauled its Best Practices Corner in 2020 to transform it into a more useful, accessible, and attractive resource for busy legal aid lawyers. Model Practices & Innovations (MPI) aims to collect and share well-researched projects and policies as part of LSC’s mission to help grantee provide high-quality legal assistance to low-income people.

Visit the LSC Training Page to browse comprehensive Training and Technical Assistance practices, tools, and resources. These resources include modules, presentation slides, sample policies, and more.

Reach out to LSC with any MPI questions or ideas!