Leading and Managing an Organization

Leadership Transitions: Key Elements in Legal Aid Succession Plans

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:41:50 +0000

Leadership Transitions: Key Elements in Legal Aid Succession Plans sierra-chacona鈥� Tue, 04/22/2025 - 11:41

Learn about the key elements that LSC grantees include in their succession plans to guide them through executive leadership departures.

Key Elements in Legal Aid Succession Plans

Grantees will learn the key elements that LSC grantees, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) and Colorado Legal Services (CLS), included in their organizational succession plans:

1. Organization-wide leadership development

2. Internal and external stakeholder engagement

3. Examples of legal aid stakeholders to include in executive leadership searches.

NLSLA, CLS, and other LSC grantees have shared their succession plans as examples on MPI's Succession Planning webpage here.

View Infographic

"Creating strong succession plans helps legal aid organizations protect client services during leadership changes."

Excerpt from the infographic

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Leadership Leading and Managing an Organization Strategic Planning

The Evolution of Legal Aid

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 19:08:28 +0000

The Evolution of Legal Aid sierra-chacona鈥� Tue, 03/25/2025 - 15:08

In this video series, hear from experienced LSC grantee executive directors about their impact on legal aid and advice for their peers.

A Fireside Chat with Experienced Executive Directors

Grantees will hear from current and retired LSC grantee executive directors (EDs) about:

1. Where they believe their leadership had the greatest impact

2. How did they adapt their organizations to legal aid's evolution throughout their careers

3. What advice they wish to pass on to current and future EDs.

LSC's Office of Training and Technical Assistance (OTTA) recorded this panel interview in April 2024 during its 50th Anniversary Celebration. This valuable opportunity allowed OTTA to capture and share the EDs' insights widely.

Watch on YouTube

"I think that's what I've done for the organization: identifying our key leadership so that when I transition out, I will be passing the torch to a new generation of leadership and legal services."

Yvonne Mariajimenez

President & CEO, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County

Featured Contributors

Vicki Schultz

Moderator

Executive Director, Maryland Legal Aid

C茅sar Torres

Executive Director (retired), Northwest Justice Project

Colleen Cotter

Executive Director, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland

David Neumeyer

Executive Director, Virginia Legal Aid Society

Jon Asher

Executive Director Emeritus, Colorado Legal Services

Rhodia Thomas

Executive Director, MidPenn Legal Services

Yvonne Mariajimenez

President & CEO, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County

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Leadership Leading and Managing an Organization Strategic Planning

A Culture of Systems Change

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 16:17:08 +0000

A Culture of Systems Change sierra-chacona鈥� Tue, 08/27/2024 - 12:17

Learn about Legal Services NYC's litigation process and considerations for identifying potential impact litigation cases in this infographic.

Legal Services NYC鈥檚 Impact Advocacy: A Culture of Systems Change

Grantees will learn how Legal Services NYC (LSNYC):

1. Maximized resources to achieve the greatest possible benefits and systemic solutions;

2. Partnered in and out of the court systems to achieve the best possible outcome; and

3. Coordinated impact advocacy across five programs.

Discover how LSCNYC outlined the program鈥檚 litigation process and the factors to consider when identifying potential impact litigation cases.

Read Infographic

鈥淟SNYC understands that potential impact litigation cases can come from any practice area, as well as outside the organization.鈥�

Christine Clarke

Chief of Litigation and Advocacy, Legal Services NYC

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Leading and Managing an Organization Outcomes Strategic Planning

New York

Leveling Up Staff as a Strategy for the Future

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:56:02 +0000

Leveling Up Staff as a Strategy for the Future sierra-chacona鈥� Wed, 08/07/2024 - 12:56

Learn about developing and revising comprehensive strategic plans with Utah Legal Services.

Utah Legal Services: Leveling Up Staff as a Strategy for the Future

Grantees will learn how Utah Legal Services (ULS):

1. Used innovative planning strategies to structure key tasks and timelines;

2. Adopted a staff leveling strategy to develop staff and promotion paths; and

3. Identified yearly goals and professional development opportunities.

Former ULS Deputy Director Amy Morgan shared how ULS developed a strategic plan with staff development in mind and key takeaways and tips on getting started.

Read Case Study

鈥淎s part of the organization鈥檚 strategic planning process, ULS adopted a staff leveling strategy to fulfill staff development needs, which helps staff identify professional goals and opportunities based on their interests and organizational needs.鈥�

Excerpt from Case Study

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Leadership Leading and Managing an Organization Strategic Planning

Utah

Eviction and COVID-19 Cases

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:37:11 +0000

Eviction and COVID-19 Cases sierra-chacona鈥� Wed, 08/07/2024 - 12:37

In this case study, learn how Idaho Legal Aid Services and Legal Aid of Western Michigan implemented action plans to help clientele in danger of losing housing during COVID-19.

Model Practices and Innovations: Eviction and COVID-19 Cases

Grantees will learn how Idaho Legal Aid Services (ILAS) and Legal Aid of Western Michigan (LAWM):

1. Accommodated the influx of housing and eviction assistance requests during COVID-19;

2. Created informative videos to educate the community about the eviction process; and

3. Spearheaded a statewide eviction diversion program (EDP) to provide early intervention.

Hear from Jacob Workman, Managing Attorney at ILAS, and Karen Tjapkes, Director of Litigation at LAWM, about managing an influx of civil legal aid requests and the expanding number of low-income individuals and families receiving eviction assistance during COVID-19.

Read Case Study

"The most successful eviction diversion programs established under Michigan鈥檚 new eviction diversion structure brought together local housing agencies, legal service programs, district courts, Health and Human Services offices, and other stakeholders.鈥�

Excerpt from Case Study

More on Providing Legal Services

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Intake Leading and Managing an Organization Strategic Planning Technology COVID-19 Housing / Evictions

Idaho

From Courtroom to Community: How Legal Services NYC Uses Impact Advocacy and Litigation to Expand Access to Justice

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 18:36:32 +0000

From Courtroom to Community: How Legal Services NYC Uses Impact Advocacy and Litigation to Expand Access to Justice sierra-chacona鈥� Wed, 07/31/2024 - 14:36

Learn about Legal Services NYC's tips, tricks, and strategies for conducting impact advocacy in this case study.

From Courtroom to Community: How Legal Services NYC Uses Impact Advocacy and Litigation to Expand Access to Justice

Grantees will learn how Legal Services NYC (LSNYC):

1. Conducted impact advocacy through strategic litigation;

2. Allocated resources and support for high-impact cases; and

3. Managed the team structure and pro bono partnerships.

Hear from Christine Clarke, Chief of Litigation and Advocacy at LSNYC, about key takeaways and lessons learned from some of the organization鈥檚 most impactful casework over the years.

View Case Study

鈥淎n important aspect of conducting sustainable impact work is shifting organizational culture to see legal aid work not just as solving the same problem a thousand times, but as addressing inequality on a systemic level.鈥�

Christine Clarke

Chief of Litigation and Advocacy, Legal Services NYC

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Intake Leading and Managing an Organization Outcomes Strategic Planning

New York

Shaping Stories through Impact Advocacy and Litigation

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 15:25:54 +0000

Shaping Stories through Impact Advocacy and Litigation sierra-chacona鈥� Wed, 07/03/2024 - 11:25

Learn Colorado Legal Services鈥� tips, tricks, and strategies for conducting impact advocacy through strategic litigation, handling related cases, and filing amicus briefs.

Colorado Legal Services: Shaping Stories through Impact Advocacy and Litigation

Grantees will learn how Colorado Legal Services (CLS):

1. Conducted impact advocacy through strategic litigation;

2. Handled high volumes of impactful cases; and

3. Filed amicus briefs to advocate for expanding civil protections.

Hear from Matt Baca, Executive Director of CLS, about key takeaways and lessons learned from some of the organization鈥檚 most impactful casework over the years.

View Case Study

鈥淒ay-to-day legal aid cases do not always make headlines, but they still provide clients with peace of mind, justice, and dignity in the most dire moments of their lives.鈥�

Matt Baca

Executive Director, Colorado Legal Services

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Intake Leading and Managing an Organization Outcomes Strategic Planning

Colorado

Veteran Legal Aid Leaders Share Their Insights

sierra-chacona@lsc.gov — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:49:53 +0000

Veteran Legal Aid Leaders Share Their Insights sierra-chacona鈥� Tue, 07/02/2024 - 12:49

Read insights from executive directors on pressing issues facing legal aid organizations.

鈥淚 thought my job was planning, budgeting, board relationships, hiring, disciplining on occasion, and fundraising. That鈥檚 not really my job as director. Those are simply tasks. My one job was to try to model the behavior I expect of others.鈥�

Jon Asher

Executive Director Emeritus, Colorado Legal Services

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Download as PDF

Leadership Leading and Managing an Organization Strategic Planning Technology

Management

tuckera@lsc.gov — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 19:19:56 +0000

Management tuckera@lsc.gov Tue, 11/02/2021 - 15:19

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.

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.

Featured Management Resources

Legal Aid Management Video Playlist

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

View Management Playlist

Featured Management Resources

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

Featured Management Resources

Info Sheet: The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland鈥檚 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

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.

Achieving Effective Board Governance

Successful Resource Development

Successful resource development starts with sufficient, capable, and trained staff鈥攐r consultants鈥攄edicated 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.

Successful Resource 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.

Succession Planning

Leadership Leading and Managing an Organization Strategic Planning

Explore OPP Videos and Webinars

Breeglej@lsc.gov — Mon, 17 May 2021 13:48:25 +0000

Explore OPP Videos and Webinars Breeglej@lsc.gov Mon, 05/17/2021 - 09:48

Explore videos and webinars from the Office of Program Performance.

Training Leading and Managing an Organization Strategic Planning

small

Leading and Managing an Organization

Leadership Transitions: Key Elements in Legal Aid Succession Plans

Key Elements in Legal Aid Succession Plans

LSC Asks Executive Directors: What Has Meant the Most to You about Your Career in Legal Aid?

The Evolution of Legal Aid: A Fireside Chat with Experienced Executive Directors

The Importance of Succession Planning

More Management Resources

More Model Practices & Innovations

The Evolution of Legal Aid

A Fireside Chat with Experienced Executive Directors

Featured Contributors

Seasoned Wisdom: Veteran Legal Aid Leaders Share Their Insights

LSC Asks Executive Directors

The Importance of Succession Planning

More Management Resources

More Model Practices and Innovations

A Culture of Systems Change

Legal Services NYC鈥檚 Impact Advocacy: A Culture of Systems Change

鈥淟SNYC understands that potential impact litigation cases can come from any practice area, as well as outside the organization.鈥�

Using Impact Advocacy and Litigation to Expand Access to Justice

Shaping Stories through Impact Advocacy and Litigation

Strategic Planning

More on Strategic Planning

More Model Practices & Innovations

Leveling Up Staff as a Strategy for the Future

Utah Legal Services: Leveling Up Staff as a Strategy for the Future

鈥淎s part of the organization鈥檚 strategic planning process, ULS adopted a staff leveling strategy to fulfill staff development needs, which helps staff identify professional goals and opportunities based on their interests and organizational needs.鈥�

A Culture of Systems Change

Veteran Legal Aid Leaders Share Their Insights

Capital Fundraising Campaign

More on Strategic Planning

More Model Practices & Innovations

Eviction and COVID-19 Cases

Model Practices and Innovations: Eviction and COVID-19 Cases

"The most successful eviction diversion programs established under Michigan鈥檚 new eviction diversion structure brought together local housing agencies, legal service programs, district courts, Health and Human Services offices, and other stakeholders.鈥�

Library Partnerships During Disaster Recovery

Expanding Services to Bridge the Digital Divide

Building Bridges Across the Digital Divide

More on Providing Legal Services

More Model Practices & Innovations

From Courtroom to Community: How Legal Services NYC Uses Impact Advocacy and Litigation to Expand Access to Justice

From Courtroom to Community: How Legal Services NYC Uses Impact Advocacy and Litigation to Expand Access to Justice

鈥淎n important aspect of conducting sustainable impact work is shifting organizational culture to see legal aid work not just as solving the same problem a thousand times, but as addressing inequality on a systemic level.鈥�

Shaping Stories through Impact Advocacy and Litigation

A Culture of Systems Change

Strategic Planning

More on Strategic Planning

More Model Practices and Innovations

Shaping Stories through Impact Advocacy and Litigation

Colorado Legal Services: Shaping Stories through Impact Advocacy and Litigation

鈥淒ay-to-day legal aid cases do not always make headlines, but they still provide clients with peace of mind, justice, and dignity in the most dire moments of their lives.鈥�

Using Impact Advocacy and Litigation to Expand Access to Justice

A Culture of Systems Change

Strategic Planning

More on Strategic Planning

More Model Practices and Innovations

Veteran Legal Aid Leaders Share Their Insights

Seasoned Wisdom: Veteran Legal Aid Leaders Share Their Insights

鈥淚 thought my job was planning, budgeting, board relationships, hiring, disciplining on occasion, and fundraising. That鈥檚 not really my job as director. Those are simply tasks. My one job was to try to model the behavior I expect of others.鈥�

Capital Fundraising Campaign

Allied Legal Professionals Increasing Access to Justice

More on Management

More Model Practices & Innovations

Management

Featured Management Resources

Legal Aid Management Video Playlist

Featured Management Resources

Examples, Models, and Resources

Featured Management Resources

Info Sheet: The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland鈥檚 Fundraising

Effective Board Governance

Successful Resource Development

Succession Planning

Explore OPP Videos and Webinars