Roger Smith takes legal lessons from the US
Americans display the vigour of the New World. Days at the January Legal Services Corporation (LSC) conference on the use of technology began at 8.30; went into the evening; and continued over lunch. The result of two and a half days in Jacksonville, Florida was a tiring but thorough covering of the issues. The LSC dispenses federal funds for the equivalent of civil legal aid. It boasts that its programmes lead the way over the private sector in the use of digital communication because of its centralised funding. So, what lessons might the New World have for the Old?
Leadership & the LSC
One very evident factor, particularly when compared with us and which is nothing to do with technology, was the benefit of leadership. This was primarily a conference for those involved in its technology initiative grants (TIG) programme. For several years, the LSC has put aside a reasonable annual sum, now well over $2m, to encourage initiatives using new technology. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis within pre-agreed parameters. The
