2026 MIE National Conference for Legal Aid Managers

Most legal services programs maintain strong partnerships with other organizations serving low-income households in their community. But rarely are those partnerships truly integrated into a legal services program’s intake system. This session will provide two different examples, from two very different perspectives – one rural and statewide, one urban and issue-specific – on how legal services programs can better integrate their work with the work of other community-based partners, to the benefit of clients.

As legal aid organizations continue to navigate evolving workplace dynamics, fostering connection, collaboration, and organizational culture has become more important than ever. This session will explore how cross-office and cross-organizational initiatives can strengthen staff engagement, support retention, and build resilience across geographically dispersed and hybrid work environments.

Representatives from Central Minnesota Legal Services (CMLS), Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA), and Legal Services State Support will share strategies and programs that promote community, professional development, and organizational cohesion. Participants will learn how collaborative efforts—both formal and informal—help bridge distances between offices, create meaningful opportunities for staff connection, and reinforce organizational values.