2026 MIE National Conference for Legal Aid Managers

This session will provide best practices and lessons learned regarding how to partner authentically with clients in media, advocacy, and even individual representation cases. Topics will include: how to ensure consent and avoid coercion, how to balance a client's real experiences with what you think your audience wants to hear, how to prepare clients to feel confident and comfortable even in sterile or hostile spaces, understanding the role trauma may play, equipping staff to have the time and skill to do this work well, and developing organizational policies to support this work.