Lakeshore Legal Aid wins $225K tech grant

The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) recently announced that it is awarding Lakeshore Legal Aid a Technology Initiative Grant (TIG) in the amount of $225,000. Lakeshore Legal Aid will use this funding to revamp its long-standing Wiki, the primary resource for legal aid staff in the state.
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.    

Lakeshore Legal Aid will replace the outdated structure of its current Wiki to better serve users. The updated Wiki will streamline access to vital legal information and improve interaction through natural language processing. Ultimately, the project’s goal is to improve access to justice for low-income Michiganders by improving staff efficiency and access to information. Members of Congress congratulated Lakeshore Legal Aid on receiving this funding.   

“This funding will allow Lakeshore Legal Aid to modernize its client service platform, which will increase capacity and help more Southeast Michigan residents access legal assistance if or when they need it,” said U.S. Sen. Gary Peters. “I’ve been proud to support the Legal Services Corporation during my time in the Senate and am excited that these resources are coming to Michigan.”

“This funding will help Lakeshore Legal Aid upgrade their technology and streamline access to the resources that staff need to serve the people of Southeast Michigan,” said Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “The services they provide are a lifeline for many Michiganders facing hardship, and I’m thankful Legal Services Corporation continues to support this critical work.”

“Our community depends on Lakeshore Legal Aid. The Technology Initiative Grant could not go to a more worthy organization dedicated to providing legal counsel to underserved communities in need of counseling and representation,” said  Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. “It’s imperative that the work of Lakeshore be made easier to use for their clients and potential clients. It’s exciting to hear how they will incorporate new technology to serve the people that often have limited access to essential services. I cannot wait to see how their new projects will improve the lives of my residents and the rest of Southeast Michigan.”