Email Listservs as Electronic Hallways

Legal Services of Northern California - 020116

Abstract Number: 020116

Legal Services of Northern California (LSNC) created a closed, in-house listserv system offering distinct e-mail lists based on major substantive areas of practice (housing, welfare, health, education), general program information (targeted for advocates only and another for all program staff), as well as technology issues.

These e-mail lists effectively create "electronic hallways" connecting all of LSNC's eight offices serving 24 counties in Northern Califorma. Using the lists, LSNC advocates and other staff are able to draw on the expertise and experience of the entire staff, wherever located. Implementation of e-mail lists has been especially effective for LSNC staff in its smaller rural offices, where going down the real hallway in the local office leads to only another staffer or two, but the virtual electronic hallway connects them to every other advocate in the program, regardless of location.

New advocates are automatically signed up for all the substantive e-mail lists, but may choose to be removed. LSNC's e-mail lists are primarily used to address questions about how to handle substantive legal and practice issues. When an advocate posts a question, assistance is provided by sharing advice or substantive legal documents such as memorandums and briefs of other advocates, minimizing repetitive work. Other key benefits include a raised consciousness among staff about the range of legal issues advocates throughout the program are working on, as well as a growing awareness among staff about who has expertise in specific practice areas.

LSNC is currently in the process of arranging a protocol for archiving materials and messages exchanged through the e-mail lists to provide a searchable online repository of the best materials and advice posted to the lists. LSNC views this as an excellent way to preserve institutional knowledge while facilitating the exchange of substantive legal information.

Contact Information:

Brian Patrick Lawlor
Regional Counsel
Legal Services of Northern California
515 - 12th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Voice: (916) 551-2119
Fax: (916) 551-2196
Email

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