MLAC established the Massachusetts Legal Services Client Council in April of 2002 to empower client board members by providing effective support and training. The Council serves as a valuable resource to the MLAC board and staff as well as local programs and their boards of directors. It has three areas of focus: training, information sharing and recruitment.

By definition, all 108 client-eligible members of boards of programs that receive funds from MLAC or the federal Legal Services Corporation are members of the Client Council.

Program Director Pat Swansey facilitates the Client Council's activities. In July 2009, the Client Council’s operations were suspended; however, certain functions of the Client Council, such as training scholarships and a newsletter, will continue. MLAC remains committed to supporting the full participation by and inclusion of client board members, and the 2010-2011 strategic planning process will address this issue.