The Legal Services Corporation and The Client Voice 2015 NLADA Meeting Julie Reiskin, Member, LSC Board of Directors James J. Sandman, LSC President

Last year you asked for Clarification about client eligibility for board service Client involvement in LSC program visits LSC’s Performance Criteria

Our Response Program Letter issued to clarify that client- eligible board members must be income- eligible at time of appointment If client -eligible board member has a change in circumstances and income increases during his/her term, that person can stay for that term.

Our Response Julie Reiskin accompanied LSC staff on a Program Quality Visit)to see how the visit is conducted and how clients could fit in. Staff developed a proposal to pilot client participation which will begin in early Proposed pilot includes three visits Focus will be on client board members, client treatment (intake, attitudes, and involvement of client community) Reviewers will be client-eligible but NOT connected with an LSC grantee program— mostly client board members on NON-LSC boards. Reviewers will be trained for the job and will be compensated.

Program Visits What we have done » Next Steps

Performance Criteria LSC’s Delivery of Legal Services Committee heard what clients have said and will be reviewing performance criteria over the next 18 months. Any review will involve ALL stakeholders. These criteria are adopted based on standards set by the American Bar Association, so LSC should not just make changes on its own. We would like your input. performance-criteriahttp:// performance-criteria

What We Have Learned Over the year in our discussions with clients, we learned that not all client board members are getting adequate training on the financial oversight requirements of board members. We are going to review the basics.

Money Matters

Other Financial Issues Profit and Loss Balance Sheet Annual Budget Comparison to budget Comparison to last year Cash flow Projections Better Business Bureau Board Source State-level nonprofit trade organization

Financial Policies Reimbursement (including travel) Gift Acceptance Procurement Credit card use Vendor agreements Conflict of interest Property acquisition

Client Board Members There is a requirement to have 1/3 members be client-eligible representatives What can LSC do to support client board members? What are best practices for recruiting client board members? What is and is not working for client board members?

Your Comments Are Always Welcome 3333 K Street, NW, Washington, DC Julie Reiskin, Client Eligible Board Member (cell) 3645 Milwaukee Street Denver, CO 80205