Getting Support & Training
We have several mechanisms for supporting you as a techie, your program in its planning for technology, your state, or your efforts on specific technologies. There are several organizations that help provide these services. Here's the run-down:
Email Lists. NTAP has partnered with the Shriver Center to manage email lists that help you get your questions answered. We recommend signing up for at least LStech email list.
Online Information -- LSNTAP.Org (fka LStech.Org) LSNTAP.Org is a web portal to technology services and information tailored to a legal aid audience. The site has the lofty goal of providing information on every aspect of doing technology in a poverty law setting. The LStech Resource Center is a library of information that affects the intersection of technology and legal services.
Online Webinars NTAP offers online webinars for techies, non-techies, directors, and advocates about how to implement, use, manage, or explore technology solutions that improve client services. They are free. Check them out. You only need internet access and a phone to attend.
Conferences While NTAP coordinates technology sessions at most national conferences, there are major conferences that offer sessions beyond the scope of technology which you may consider attending. We recommend you try to attend the LSC TIG Conference (every January in Austin, pre-registration required as it does fill up). This is the only conference in the community focused on technology and legal aid. Other conferences you can check out which have technology sessions are the American Bar Association's Equal Justice Conference or the National Legal Aid and Defender Association Annual Conference.
Circuit Riding NTAP and Pro Bono Net offer "circuit riding" assistance for any state or program involved in creating or sustaining a statewide legal website for clients, advocates, or pro bono lawyers. (Circuit riding is a term of art in the private sector and refers to technology support that is delivered in-person via a travel circuit.) Our circuit riders help statewide website efforts succeed and give you lessons learned. Circuit riders provide resources, training, support, and site visits.
Document Assembly (NPADO | HotDocs) Pro Bono Net offers a circuit rider for programs who have staff developing "templates" of automated forms that improve the ability of clients or advocates in completing standard legal documents, easily.
Project Related Support Several projects have their own mechanisms for support via NTAP staff. Please contact info[at]LSNTAP.org for more information.
- LegalMeetings Web Conferencing. We have someone at NTAP who helps people sign up for the service and use it effectively within your program.
- Poverty Law Survey Tool: We have someone at NTAP who helps you sign up for an account and trains you on how to use it in your program.
- GIS Mapping National Server Project
Individual Support. While no project is funded to provide your program with individual support, NTAP can be your first point of contact to find out if we know of someone who can. Several bar associations have also contracted with NTAP to help develop planning or conference agendas for technology planning in their state.
