A broad-based team approach to representation is another way NDS has altered the traditional legal services delivery structure to provide clients with seamless and holistic assistance. Instead of attorneys laboring alone in their offices, teams of attorneys, investigators, social workers, and administrative assistants work in open areas and confer regularly. All members of the team file computerized reports, allowing other team members to look up cases and provide anxious clients with any new information, even when the attorney is not available. The team approach also allows attorneys to work as co-counsel on cases that go to trial and ensures continuity of representation in the event that an attorney leaves the agency or is unable to attend a hearing or stay with the case. The NDS approach to legal services is comprehensive.
Social workers address the social needs that frequently overshadow their clients' legal problems.
NDS also has received funding to address civil legal problems that arise out of criminal matters, such as housing and family law issues. In addition, NDS attorneys who work with juveniles are able to represent their clients in school expulsion or suspension hearings.