MLP Model

Like their communities and patient populations, all medical-legal partnership programs are unique. Some MLPs are based in academic teaching hospitals, others in Federally-Qualified Health Centers. Some MLPs rely on pro bono attorneys from local law firms, others on local legal aid agencies and law school attorneys. MLPs vary widely in size and scope.

Despite the variety of programs, MLPs in the MLP Network share the common goal of improving the health and well-being of low-income, medically vulnerable patients. To achieve this goal, and to transform the delivery of health and legal services, all MLPs engage in direct legal assistance, changing health and legal institutions and practices, and policy change.
 

A Community-Based Partnership

MLPs are comprised of at least one legal institution and one healthcare institution in the community. Successful MLP programs establish and maintain active engagement of key leaders at every level, from front-lines to administration, in both their partner healthcare and legal institutions. Legal staff are present at the healthcare institution on a regular basis, and work with healthcare staff to devise strategies for efficient referrals, joint data collection and monitoring, and fundraising. The community-based nature of MLP helps to ensure high quality care that meets the needs of local patient populations.

Read more about MLP core components and activities

See how the MLP model compares to prevailing legal assistance and healthcare models