query: combining organizing and legal strategies

[Discussion list for COMM-ORG]

[ed:  please feel welcomed to copy COMM-ORG with responses to Andrew's 
query.  A bit from me below.]

From: Andrew Schoeneman <mistershoney at yahoo.com>


I am looking for resources in the area of organizing combined with legal 
strategies.  My organization is a legal aid program whose staff includes 
non-attorney organizers, including me.
 
We are trying to clarify the relationships that exist between my 
employer, which is in essence a public interest law firm, and community 
groups to whom we provide community organizing support as well as legal 
advice and and even representation when necessary.  One such group is in 
the process of formulating by-laws, electing officers, etc., and it 
seems like a good time to agree on the terms of this relationship.
 
I suspect there are other organizations out there who combine legal and 
organizing strategies, and have at some point addressed the balance 
between the roles and responsibilities of being a lawyer/law firm and 
the practice and philosophy of organizing.
 
I'd appreciate any responses either to the listserv or to me at 
andrew at justice4all.org.
 
Thanks,
Andrew Schoeneman

[ed:  Rinku Sen's book, Stir it Up, has some case studies on integrating 
legal services and community organizing.]