[Center name]
A project of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute

Practical training for legal aid staff

Short, self-paced lessons for legal aid staff in Massachusetts, designed to fit around real casework.

Explore the training

Sample lesson Urgent intake calls

Learn Prioritize a call when time is short

Practice

Ms. R. was referred to your office on Thursday afternoon. Her Housing Court hearing is Monday morning.

You have ten minutes on the phone. What do you cover first, and what can wait?

See how a Massachusetts housing advocate would prioritize

First, make sure she knows to go to court on Monday, even if she doesn’t have a lawyer yet, and when to arrive. Then find out what papers she has and what the landlord is asking for, and ask her to send photos of them today. Her full housing history can wait for a follow-up.

Refer back Before a Housing Court date: what to check

The platform is still being built.

Legal Aid Litigation Skills

For attorneys preparing and trying a case, from the first client interview to the closing argument.

  • Building the case

    Interview clients, investigate the facts, and develop a case theory.

  • Preparing for trial

    Prepare witnesses and exhibits, and plan your examinations.

  • Examining witnesses

    Prepare and conduct direct and cross examinations.

  • In the courtroom

    Make and answer objections, and give openings and closings.

Tell us what training would help your team.

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About

[Center name] is a project of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI), built with and for the Massachusetts legal aid community.

Contact

Have a question, or want to get involved? Write to [contact email to be confirmed].