Mission Statement

Increase access to justice for lower-income and vulnerable Illinois residents through the innovative use of technology to assist and educate the public and to train and support legal aid providers and pro bono attorneys.

Strategic Goals

Strategic Goal 1: Simplify legal processes for the underserved

We will change the legal processes and procedures in Illinois so that it will be easier for self-represented persons to achieve results for the most common legal problems they encounter. This goal capitalizes on two of ILAO’s founding principles, serving as a process simplifier and as a collaborator in the legal system.

Strategic Goal 2: Serve as the central nervous system for legal services in Illinois

We will reduce the time it takes applicants to secure services and direct them to the best provider to meet their legal needs so that they secure optimum results. This will relieve pressure in the delivery of legal aid services, both for individuals seeking service and the legal aid providers themselves. This goal will require collaboration with legal services providers and community partners to assist individuals in receiving appropriate legal aid.

Strategic Goal 3: Be a national leader in using technology to deliver legal services to the underserved

We will continue to be first to market with new products and innovations to deliver legal services, and will be looked to nationally as the model for best practices in using technology to deliver legal services. We will conduct continuous evaluation and improvement of our current programs.

Strategic Goal 4: The ILAO Board exemplifies nonprofit best practices in its governance, leadership, and strategic roles

The ILAO Board of Directors will be optimally organized to support the organization and its strategic goals, adhering to nationally recognized best practices for nonprofit board performance. Board members will understand and fulfill their roles and be actively engaged in effective governance and leadership.

Strategic Goal 5: Define and measure success

We will identify and analyze data in order to confirm that we help people solve their legal problems and navigate the legal system. We will adjust or change our programs to ensure greatest impact and efficiency. We will increase the number of legal professionals using our resources.

Strategic Goal 6: The Board diversifies and grows ILAO’s funding base in order to achieve our strategic goals, embrace new opportunities, and meet increasing demand.

ILAO will have the financial, human, and capital resources needed to reach its strategic goals. The Board will grow ILAO revenue to $2,000,000 over five years, with $800,000 coming from corporate, law firm, and individual sources.