Explore resources for LSC grantees to create thoughtful succession plans for key leadership positions.
What is a Succession Plan?
A succession plan is a formal document that guides the organization through leadership transitions, both planned and unexpected. The plan ensures continuous client service by establishing clear procedures for temporary leadership, outlining the process for selecting new permanent leaders, defining, communication protocols, protecting organizational security, and maintaining key stakeholder relationships during transitions. Succession plans prioritize operational stability and community interests by incorporating input from board members, staff, and client representatives.
Sample Succession Plans
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Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County
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Colorado Legal Services
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Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) created a succession plan as part of its 2019-2024 organizational strategic plan, focusing on professional growth and clear structure. Below are several highlights from NLSLA’s succession plan:
- Created specific leadership skills guidelines to evaluate staff leadership
- Required every leader to create and follow a professional development plan
- Named backup leaders ready for every leadership position
- Included succession planning in its continuity of operations plan in case of emergency
Colorado Legal Services' (CLS) succession plan includes detailed procedures and guidance on working with external partners to support the leadership transition. Below are several highlights from CLS’s succession plan:
- Established a clear chain of command for temporary leadership
- Emphasized strong connections with state nonprofits and legal organizations for support
- Detailed checklists for handling money, contracts, and security
- Outlined instructions for reviewing all policies during transition
- Created specific steps for keeping client services running smoothly
The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands' (LASMTC) succession plan emphasizes diversity and inclusion throughout the entire transition. Below are several highlights from LASMTC’s succession plan:
- Focused heavily on diversity in leadership selection
- Established two separate committees for managing transitions and planning for changes in all key positions
- Partnered with outside tech and accounting experts to ensure continuity in specialized areas
- Included clear rules about soliciting staff feedback during leader selection.
Management Succession Tool
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (Cleveland Legal Aid) developed a tool to help its leaders, including executives and managing attorneys, identify their top three succession candidates. The tool includes position requirements and serves as a professional development guide for potential successors.