Past and Future Structures of Judicial Branch Support for Civil Legal Aid in Minnesota (Exp 11/11/27)

Originally Recorded: 11/11/2025 Change is upon us for the state’s approach to civil legal services. For 42 years, the Minnesota Supreme Court appointed members to the Legal Services Advisory Committee (LSAC) to review and award grant funding that passed through the legislature to support Minnesota’s access to justice for civil matters. The grants made by LSAC were significant—comprising greater than 50% of revenue for civil legal aid statewide in FY25. In 2024, the legislature determined a new course for legal services with a statutory sunset of the LSAC, and a newly established State Board of Civil Legal Aid (BOCLA), effective July 1, 2025. BOCLA compliments the State Board of Public Defense by focusing on legal representation for low-income Minnesotans in the civil arena. Specifically, BOCLA operates as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch tasked with managing the civil legal services general fund appropriation and setting standards for the provision of civil legal aid. Please join us in hearing first-hand from how this new agency supports the state’s important work of ensuring high quality legal services to Minnesotans unable to afford private counsel and reflecting on the ongoing importance of Minnesota Supreme Court leadership for making our state a leader in access to justice for all. After purchase, you will receive a link to the video and any materials.