Development of Comprehensive Public Platform Linked to Full Range of Legal Services & Information

• User-friendly, reliable, ethical consumer information
• Triage system to guide those in need of legal services, assisted by technology and other navigation assistance, including from trained lay navigators and links to find a lawyer, help centers, related resources
• Collaboration across Michigan's three leading platforms
• Legal Self Help Centers in all judicial circuits

Nurturing of New Service Delivery Options

• Unbundling system (limited scope representation) to expand access
• Billable hour alternatives
• Limited multidisciplinary practice (MDP)
• Support for innovative law firm models
• Online pro bono opportunities
• Limited pilot projects to test expanded availability to counsel in certain civil cases and reporting of pro bono hours
• Coordination with Michigan Indigent Defense Commission innovations

Court Innovation, Simplification, Standardization

• Emphasis on mediation (early, automatic, draft pleadings)
• Civil process innovations to tailor pre-trial practice on case-by-case basis
• Expanded video conferencing
• Streamlined probate and research to identify types of cases appropriate to remove from judicial process
• Statewide specialty court venue; access through e-filing portal
• Promote appropriate application of problem-solving court principles to all courts
• Use business process analysis
• Expanded online dispute resolution

Dynamic, Data-Driven New Lawyer Support

• Ongoing SBM assistance to variety of practice-readiness assistance options (incubators, internships, clinics, New Lawyer Institute, mentorship programs) to test effectiveness; collect data and do analysis, provide tools to lawyers/firms

New Model for Continuing Legal Education & Professional Development

• Emphasis on tech competency and ethics training, baseline competency training, and support as part of SBM membership benefit
• Innovative, customizable delivery methods for specific legal training
• Specialty certification
• Convenient self-testing, self-assessment tools for continuing legal education

Modernized Regulation

• Malpractice insurance disclosure; easy consumer access to that information
• Voluntary, innovative CLE, plus continuing professional development support for every practicing lawyer
• More transparency and uniformity
• Development of consensus on regulatory objectives, incorporating inclusion, diversity, and cultural competency
• Regulate non-J.D. legal service providers (e.g., paralegals & lay navigators)

Innovative Changes to Bar Admissions

• Sequential bar admissions testing
• Practice criteria for lawyers without Michigan licensure

Strategies for Persistent, Value-Driven Change

• Permanent SBM-based 21st Century Legal Services Innovation Center
• Justice Innovations Guidelines