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WASHINGTON—The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding 32 Technology Initiative Grants (TIG) totaling $6.2 million. LSC’s TIG program supports civil legal aid organizations who seek to leverage technology for the delivery of high-quality legal assistance to low-income Americans. Organizations in 22 states are receiving TIG funding this year. 

Established in 2000, the TIG program distributes grants annually to LSC-funded legal services providers. LSC has awarded 924 grants since the program’s inception—totaling more than $91 million to fund technology projects for legal aid. Grant recipients have used this funding to enhance online resources for self-represented litigants, make existing tools more mobile-friendly, deploy AI to streamline intake and client services, and more.

“LSC is proud to promote innovative solutions to the access to justice crisis, including supporting legal aid organizations’ efforts to embrace useful technology tools,” says LSC President Ron Flagg. “The Technology Initiative Grants support projects that improve the delivery of legal services and information to people who need support navigating serious civil legal problems that impact their housing, debt, employment or family.” 

This year’s grant recipients are leveraging technology to strengthen their organizations and expand access to legal services in different ways. Bay Area Legal Services in Florida will expand its FosterPower project, which provides foster youth with information on their rights and benefits. The Philadelphia Legal Assistance Center, in partnership with Upsolve, will launch a Debt Relief Prediction Tool to help people navigate their debt relief options using artificial intelligence. Montana Legal Services Association will overhaul and redesign its most-used automated legal forms to help self-represented litigants.

Members of Congress from both parties congratulated legal aid organizations in their states and districts on receiving TIG funding.  

"We must ensure every American has access to a fair justice system, regardless of income or background, and Legal Aid of West Virginia is an absolutely invaluable organization in this mission. I’m pleased they are receiving this well-deserved funding to support technology innovation and modernization to better help low-income West Virginians navigate the legal system. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for resources to boost Legal Aid’s critical efforts,” said Senator Joe Manchin (WV).

“These Technology Initiative Grants recognize two Illinois institutions working tirelessly to bridge the civil justice gap,” said Senator Dick Durbin (IL). “This funding paves the way for innovative technology solutions that address persistent challenges in our legal system, ensuring that the civil justice system is accessible to all in Illinois.”

"Access to adequate legal representation for all Americans ensures our legal process works effectively,” said Rep. Pete Sessions (TX-17). “I commend the mission and work of the LSC for its dedication to providing quality legal services across the nation."

2024 Technology Grants from the Legal Services Corporation

Technology Initiative Grants (TIG) projects can (1) implement new or innovative approaches for using technology in legal services delivery; (2) enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of existing technologies so that they may be better used to increase the quality and quantity of services to clients; or (3) replicate, adapt, or provide added value to the work of prior technology projects.

Sustainability, Enhancement, and Adoption (SEA) Grants enable successful TIG grantees to develop their projects further, integrate them effectively into the service delivery system and complete the necessary activities for long-term success. SEA Grants generally focus on sustainability, enhancements or increasing adoption of the developed technology.

An award for a Technology Improvement Project (TIP) is intended to provide funding for appropriate consulting services to conduct a technology assessment, information security audit, business process improvement or technology planning process.

Legal Aid of West Virginia, Inc. (WV)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $432,900

Description: This 18-month project brings together leading law help website teams and Stanford's Legal Design Lab to create A Common Legal Help Artificial Intelligence (AI) Model. Building on previous initiatives, the project will use curated content from statewide law help websites to enhance AI performance in legal tasks.

The initiative includes five stages: developing a strategic approach, collecting structured data, evaluating model performance, prototyping practical applications like chatbots, and crafting detailed pilot proposals with safety plans. This innovative effort aims to transform access to legal assistance, making it more efficient and user-friendly.

603 Legal Aid (NH)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $273,875

Description: 603 Legal Aid (603LA) aims to transform its online services into the statewide self-help resource for New Hampshire, replacing nhlegalaid.org. This project will enhance user access to legal information, eligibility triage, and intake forms on a robust, user-friendly platform. The new website will support multiple languages and meet the latest website accessibility standards.

The project will unfold in four phases: data gathering, user feedback, design mockups, and site launch. The new platform will go live after 18 months and be promoted for an additional six months, providing essential self-help resources for all residents.

Philadelphia Legal Assistance Center (PA)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $383,090

Description: The Philadelphia Legal Assistance Center, in partnership with Upsolve, proposes creating a Debt Relief Prediction Tool to help low-income individuals navigate various debt relief options using AI. This innovative tool aims to simplify complex financial decisions by offering personalized guidance on debt consolidation, management plans, settlement, and bankruptcy. The project's strengths include its comprehensive approach, experienced partners like Upsolve with a strong track record in bankruptcy assistance, and a detailed budget with secured external funding. It also shows a commitment to effectiveness through third-party evaluation.

Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. (FL)

Category: SEA

Funding Amount: $405,346

Description: Bay Area Legal Services (BALS) seeks more funding to grow its FosterPower project, which provides foster youth with information on their rights and benefits. The project has successfully launched an app and website, created educational videos, and trained over 400 individuals. FosterPower has received national attention, awards, and media recognition. The expansion plan aims for statewide reach, national replication, and a sustainable business model. It includes hiring a Training & Outreach Specialist, creating new educational content, and forming advisory boards.

Legal Aid of North Carolina, Inc. (NC)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $518,987

Description: Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) is launching a project to improve access to legal services for around three million eligible residents. The New Access Model will modernize the intake process using technology like AI and automated tools, making it easier for people to find legal information and services. Potential clients will be guided through a simple system that helps them get the support they need. LANC will also create a Trusted Partner Network to assist in rural areas, ensuring that all North Carolinians can access legal help.

Category: TIP

Funding Amount: $35,000

Legal Aid of the Bluegrass (KY)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $225,500

Description: Legal Aid of Bluegrass (LABG) is seeking funding to create a customized Learning Management System (LMS) to enhance staff training for Kentucky’s four civil legal aid programs. The LMS will offer modules on legal processes and essential software skills, ensuring staff are well-prepared to manage cases effectively.

Additionally, LABG plans to include training for volunteer attorneys, making the LMS a versatile resource for ongoing professional development. By using engaging multimedia and interactive elements, the LMS will support diverse learning styles and help staff retain knowledge, improving service delivery for clients across Kentucky.

Georgia Legal Services Program (GA)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $233,081

Description: Georgia Legal Services Program’s Collaborative Clinic Technologies Project (CCTP) aims to enhance the clinics module of LegalServer for their Pro Bono Unit, which serves a 154-county area. This project will streamline management and planning of legal clinics, improving client services. By simplifying administrative tasks, GLSP aims to close 1,100 cases annually through 27 clinic events by 2027.

Over the next 24 months, GLSP will develop and test new features in collaboration with LegalServer and community partners. Training materials will be made available to all LSC grantees, ensuring more individuals receive vital legal assistance across Georgia.

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (LA)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $212,459

Description: Southeast Louisiana Legal Services plans to develop a statewide web application to enhance legal issue identification and streamline referrals for Louisianans in need. By collaborating with the Louisiana 211 program, they will equip them to better assist callers, particularly in rural areas where legal resources are scarce. Key features will include an AI-driven legal issue search, a user-friendly screening tool, and a smart referral algorithm. By providing targeted training, we aim to empower both partners and clients, ultimately enhancing access to civil legal support across Louisiana.

Lone Star Legal Aid (TX)

Category: SEA

Funding Amount: $347,334

Description: Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) seeks funding to enhance its Legal Aid Content Intelligence (LACI) software, which tracks changes in laws and regulations to alert editors when legal documents need updates. Building on a previous grant, LSLA plans to improve LACI with better interfaces for monitoring changes, more detailed references, and a visual tool for selecting website sections to monitor. They also aim to promote LACI to other legal aid programs and assist the Texas Legal Services Center and Idaho Legal Aid Services in adopting it.

Currently, LACI tracks over 1,000 documents and has successfully identified updates for five A2J interviews and two videos.

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $298,532

Description: Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) will develop three AI chatbots over 24 months to enhance legal access and support. The Juris chatbot will analyze legal documents like the Texas Constitution and federal statutes, providing accurate, cited responses while minimizing misinformation. A Human Resources/IT/Policy Chatbot will assist staff with policy and IT inquiries, while a Client Community Chatbot will guide users through legal issues, offering referrals, self-help tools, and community resources based on their needs. This innovative project utilizes OpenAI’s technology and aims to set a new standard in legal aid chatbot development.

Category: TIP

Funding Amount: $35,000

Legal Services of North Dakota (ND)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $248,730

Description: The North Dakota Legal Self-Help Center is set for a major transformation to enhance online access to legal resources. The revamped website will feature an AI-driven interactive tool acting as a virtual legal assistant, guiding users through tailored questions to find relevant information and forms easily. To further support diverse learning styles, an extensive library of video tutorials will be introduced, covering everything from completing legal forms to navigating legal procedures. A dynamic feedback and reporting system will ensure continuous updates, keeping the platform user-friendly and responsive to the needs of its audience.

California Indian Legal Services, Inc. (CA)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $230,000

Description: California Indian Legal Services is launching a transformative project aimed at overhauling their intake process to enhance client interaction and service delivery. This initiative will start with a thorough assessment of the current intake systems, gathering feedback from staff and community partners to identify strengths and areas for improvement. This project will redesign the workflow to be more client-centered, reducing the time and steps needed for applicants to learn about their case status. Key enhancements include deploying a modern VOIP system for clearer communication, integrating intuitive online intake forms, and implementing an automated appointment booking system with reminders. These upgrades will streamline operations, allowing for faster referrals and a more efficient intake experience for clients.

Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc. (WI)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $309,134

Description: Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc. will create an innovative internal knowledge management system to enhance client service delivery through streamlined access to legal resources. This two-year project involves partnering with a technology firm and hiring a knowledge management expert to develop a dual-hub system for client-facing and internal materials. An internal steering committee will guide the process, informed by staff feedback indicating a strong need for a central repository. By integrating AI and automation, LAW aims to build an intuitive platform that empowers staff and improves overall efficiency in delivering legal assistance.

Land of Lincoln Legal Aid (IL)

Category: SEA

Funding Amount: $197,940

Description: Land of Lincoln Legal Aid seeks to expand its successful TIG22-IL Easy Forms project, which has significantly improved access for self-represented litigants (SRLs) and limited-scope clients in Illinois. Building on the strong results from usability testing and positive user feedback, the organization aims to enhance the mobile-friendly. The software platform, Docassemble, will further integrate features like Google Maps and SMS functionality. The project will include ongoing usability testing to refine the user experience and increase efficiency in automated document interviews. Additionally, the partners plan to pilot Easy Forms in clinic settings for specific legal issues, leveraging the platform’s proven success in streamlining operations and generating critical legal documents for underserved communities.

Legal Aid of Chicago (IL)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $91,588

Description: Legal Aid of Chicago (LAC) is set to transform legal service delivery through the implementation of Microsoft Copilot, an AI tool designed to enhance productivity across various staff roles. By recruiting 25 staff members, including attorneys, paralegals, and finance personnel, we will assess readiness for AI integration using the AI for Social Progress Digital Skills Compass. Over the first year, they will conduct training workshops to prepare the LAC team and migrate their SharePoint system to optimize Copilot's capabilities. With the assistance of a consultant, they will ensure secure integration and provide specialized training tailored to their civil legal aid context. This project aims to streamline document preparation, grant writing, and internal communications, ultimately improving service quality and access to justice for clients.

Lakeshore Legal Aid (MI)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $225,000

Description: Lakeshore Legal Aid is poised to revamp its long-standing Wiki, the primary resource for Michigan legal aid staff, to enhance usability and effectiveness in client service. Recognizing that a significant portion of staff reported obstacles related to the outdated structure, the organization will conduct extensive user research to inform the selection of a new platform. By incorporating advanced AI features, the New Wiki will streamline access to vital legal information and improve interaction through natural language processing. Lakeshore will partner with a vendor to customize the platform, transfer existing data, and provide comprehensive training for staff on both the new system and AI best practices. This initiative aims to transform legal service delivery in Michigan, ultimately increasing staff efficiency and improving access to justice for clients.

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (MO)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $268,552

Description: Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM) proposes a collaborative project with NPLS to establish a best-practices Microsoft 365/Azure cloud architecture, transitioning both organizations fully to the cloud. This initiative aims to enhance user and data security, automate administrative tasks, and create a replicable model for other legal service providers. Key components include implementing Conditional Access Policies, Digital Loss Prevention, and robust email protection to safeguard client confidentiality and mitigate cyber threats.

Additionally, the project will utilize Power Automate for process automation and improve document management through SharePoint and OneDrive. Comprehensive training and support will empower staff and streamline operations, ultimately increasing the efficiency and quality of legal services provided to eligible clients while setting a standard for cloud adoption in the nonprofit sector.

Legal Aid of Western Missouri (MO)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $315,554

Description: Legal Aid of Western Missouri proposes the creation of a virtual self-help center, "DIY Divorce," aimed at simplifying pro se divorces. This user-friendly online platform will guide Missourians through the process of generating court-approved pleadings using a TurboTax-style question-and-answer format. Initially focused on dissolutions of marriage, the system will also include automatic redaction of sensitive information to protect client privacy. Legal Aid plans to coordinate with Missouri's court system to enable seamless electronic filing of documents through Case.net. With the support of all four Missouri legal aid programs, a dedicated Project Director will oversee development and content creation, ensuring that the platform effectively meets the needs of users while expanding access to justice in the state.

Northwest Justice Project (WA)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $61,435

Description: Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is seeking to enhance its LegalServer Clinics Module to improve the efficiency of its CLEAR and eviction defense services for low-income individuals and seniors. Building on insights gained since the module's implementation in May 2023, NJP plans to collaborate with LegalServer to address key functionality issues. Proposed improvements include preventing double bookings, customizing appointment slots by language and urgency, and enabling staff self-assignment for clinic events. Additional enhancements will allow clients to receive appointment reminders, reschedule, or cancel appointments with language support tailored to their preferences. By streamlining the clinic creation process and integrating the Clinics Module with NJP’s Contact Center and reporting systems, this project aims to optimize client intake and enhance service delivery, ultimately increasing access to legal assistance for vulnerable populations.

Montana Legal Services Association (MT)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $275,706

Description: Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) is seeking funding to overhaul and redesign its most-used automated legal forms, integrating them into MLSA’s LegalServer case management system and the Montana Court systems. This project aims to replicate successful initiatives from Illinois Legal Aid Online, prioritizing the update and automation of 20 forms commonly used by self-represented litigants, based on usage data. MLSA will conduct thorough research to select the most effective API automation platform, with a focus on user-friendly document assembly software platforms like Gavel and DocAssemble. A contract attorney will help ensure the legal accuracy of the redesigned forms, which will adhere to best practices for accessibility and plain language. Through rigorous usability testing and data evaluation, MLSA aims to provide accessible, timely legal forms while enhancing the efficiency of staff and pro bono services, improving access to justice for Montana residents.

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc. (TX)

Category: TIG

Funding Amount: $377,338

 Description: Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA), in partnership with tech nonprofit Code the Dream (CTD), is developing a modernized data analysis tool, Datos, to support legal outreach and advocacy for H-2A agricultural workers across seven southern states. Datos will pull data directly from the U.S. Department of Labor’s (USDOL) JSON feed, providing advocates with more stable, timely, and comprehensive access to critical agricultural worker data. It will also integrate with CTD’s Vamos app—a platform used by 16 legal aid organizations in 13 states—enabling automatic imports of H-2A job data to streamline outreach planning and improve the efficiency of agricultural worker advocacy. Once completed, the tool will be publicly available, extending its benefits to agricultural worker advocacy programs nationwide.

Additional Technology Improvement Grants (TIP)

Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (OH)

Funding Amount: $35,000

Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (FL)

Funding Amount $35,000

Neighborhood Legal Services Program (DC)

Funding Amount: $35,000

Idaho Legal Aid Services, Inc. (ID)

Funding Amount: $35,000

Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (OH)

Funding Amount: $35,000

Colorado Legal Services (CO)

Funding Amount: $35,000

Inland Counties Legal Services, Inc. (CA)

Funding Amount: $35,000

Legal Aid of Nebraska (NE)

Funding Amount: $34,000

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CA)

Funding Amount: $25,000