November 26, 2024
WASHINGTON— The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced today that it is awarding a Technology Initiative Grant (TIG) in the amount of $197,940 to Land of Lincoln Legal Aid (LLLA) and $383,090 to Legal Aid of Chicago (LAC). LLLA will use its funding to expand its successful TIG22-IL Easy Forms project and LAC will use its funding to transform legal service delivery through the implementation of Microsoft Copilot.
Since 2000, the TIG program has distributed annual grants to legal services providers across the United States. This year, LSC is awarding 31 grants totaling $5.9 million to organizations in 22 states.
“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.”
LSC has awarded 923 grants since the program’s inception —totaling more than $91 million to fund legal aid technology projects. Grant recipients have used this funding to enhance cybersecurity, build educational platforms, strengthen program capacity and support the work of pro bono attorneys.
LLA will use its funding 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.
LAC will use its funding 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.
Senator Dick Durbin (IL) and Representatives Delia Ramirez (IL-3), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-4), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-19) congratulated LLLA and LAC on receiving this funding.
“These Technology Initiative Grants recognize two Illinois institutions working tirelessly to bridge the civil justice gap,” Senator Durbin. “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.”
“Legal Services Organizations, like Legal Aid Chicago, connect low-income communities to accessible, culturally responsive legal services,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “There is always more casework than capacity, and so we must do what we can to strengthen these essential organizations’ ability to serve and protect our most vulnerable communities. That’s why I am pleased that Legal Services Corporation is providing resources, made possible by funds authorized by Congress’ Technology Initiative Grant, to Legal Aid Chicago to ensure access to justice for our communities.”
“Legal Aid of Chicago (LAC) provides vital services for underserved communities, and it must be ready to use the latest technology to help people have equal access to justice. The funds from this grant will ensure LAC has the human resources and technology needed to increase the efficiency of their services and give more people a voice in the justice system,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “I’m proud to continue supporting resources that help organizations like Legal Aid of Chicago empower people to protect their fundamental rights.”
“I’m thrilled that Land of Lincoln Legal Aid is receiving a $197,940 technology grant to help streamline the services they provide to folks throughout Central and Southern Illinois. I was proud to advocate for the Legal Services Corporation during our appropriations process to help improve access to grants like this one, and I look forward to continuing my work to ensure that low-income families have access to the legal services they need.”
“I am thrilled that Legal Aid Chicago was selected to receive a nearly $100,000 Technology Initiative Grant,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “For decades, Legal Aid Chicago has fought for the most vulnerable people in Cook County and has helped ensure all people in our community have access to legal assistance in civil cases. This funding will go a long way towards providing Legal Aid Chicago with the resources necessary to improve service quality and access to justice for its clients.”
Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974. For 50 years, LSC has provided financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. The Corporation currently provides funding to 130 independent nonprofit legal aid programs in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
Contact
Carl Rauscher
Director of Communications and Media Relations
rauscherc@lsc.gov
202-295-1615