Management

Managing Legal Services

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 in the organization. Key leadership, starting with the executive director, sets the tone for excellence and establishes a shared vision and mission. The organization should provide opportunities for the development of new leaders and have a succession plan to ensure continuity.

The organization should be managed efficiently and effectively so resources are preserved and allocated to achieve the greatest impact in the community. This includes systems to ensure compliance with funder requirements, effective use of technology, effective administrative procedures, and allocation of sufficient resources to management and administrative functions and personnel.

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Legal Aid Management Video Playlist

Explore model practice and innovation videos in this YouTube playlist curated by LSC’s Office of Training & Technical Assistance. Video topics include board governance, effective leadership, and growth management for legal aid organizations.

View Management Playlist

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Examples, Models, and Resources

The Office of Training & Technical Assistance has collected sample policies, procedures, and related forms relevant to managing legal aid organizations. These resources cover topics from board governance to financial management to organizational management. Browse the documents and download your own copies by clicking the link below.

View Sample Policies, Procedures, and Resources

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Info Sheet: The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s Fundraising”

In this info sheet, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, commonly known as Cleveland Legal Aid, shares its fundraising tactics, covering key areas like donor retention strategies, fundraising event planning, and establishing fundraising goals and metrics to evaluate success.

Learn Fundraising Strategies

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Case Study: Legal Action of Wisconsin’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Learn how Legal Action of Wisconsin (LAW) works to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into its organization externally to serve its clients more effectively and internally to foster an inclusive workplace environment

Discover How to Promote DEI

Management Resource Pages

Listed below are several resource pages that aim to help your legal aid organization.

Effective Board Governance

Each legal aid organization functions under the leadership of a nonprofit board of directors, the governing body of the organization. Each organization's board of directors is established based on its bylaws. Those elected jointly govern the organization. Board members generally see themselves as ambassadors of their organizations and work together to accomplish the organization's mission.

Successful Resource Development

Successful resource development starts with sufficient, capable, and trained staff—or consultants—dedicated to the development of new resources and maintenance of existing ones. Visit the Successful Resource Development Page to view guidance documents and case studies on resource identification and development.

Succession Planning

Succession planning anticipates such transitions and encompasses an intentional and systematic effort to ensure leadership continuity, as well as preserve institutional knowledge and minimize interruptions in service. Visit the Succession Planning resource page to view webinars and information on leadership longevity.

Elevate your legal service management with insights from our Model Practices & Innovations platform. Explore effective strategies, tools, and case studies to enhance operational efficiency, resource allocation, and client service delivery within your legal aid organization.

Leadership Leading and Managing an Organization Strategic Planning

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