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MSBA Legal Assistance to the
Disadvantaged Committee Announces the Minnesota Client Access,
Barriers and Solutions Study
Work has begun on the Minnesota Client Access, Barriers and Solutions Study ("MN-CABS Study"), a project of the MSBA LAD committee, in partnership with the Minnesota Legal Services Coalition, the Otto Bremer Foundation, the Minnesota State Bar Foundation, and the Legal Services Advisory Committee. The MN-CABS Study will identify specific groups of legal services-eligible clients around Minnesota, the barriers they face to obtaining legal services, and strategies for overcoming those barriers.
This study is the first of its kind in Minnesota. Its innovative methodology - using direct surveys and focus groups of eligible clients, much of it conducted by staff from legal services and pro bono programs that has been trained by University of Minnesota researchers - provides a model of client-centered analysis that goes well beyond generic needs assessments. The study promises to provide concrete information about client needs that can inform program development and resource allocation decisions.
The study will be conducted by a team of consultants: Hannah Lieberman, John Tull, and Rosanna Armson. Ms. Lieberman and Mr. Tull are nationally recognized experts in the delivery of legal services to the poor. Ms. Armson is the director of the Center for Survey Research at the University of Minnesota. Coordinating with the research team will be an advisory committee comprised of Peter Knapp (William Mitchell College of Law, Chair, Legal Services Planning Committee), Jean Lastine (Central Minnesota Legal Services), Sue Pontinen (Volunteer Lawyers Network), and Nick Slade (Barry & Slade, Legal Services Advisory Committee). The committee will be staffed by Steve Hirsh (MSBA Access to Justice Director) and Bridget Gernander (Minnesota Supreme Court Legal Services Grant Manager).
A project website (http://www.mncourts.gov/?page=3995) contains more information about the study. This website will be updated regularly as the study progresses, and allows users to register for updates. If you have questions or would like to provide input on the project, please contact Steve Hirsh at shirsh@statebar.gen.mn.us.
- Last Updated 5/5/10-