There are three policy groups of the Association:

• Civil Policy Group
• Defender Policy Group
• Client Policy Group

The Defender and Civil policy groups' primary purpose is to initiate policy and programs, subject to board approval, relating to the provision of civil and defender legal services. These programs and policies are intended to support member programs and their work.

The Client Policy Group's main purpose is to help inform, through its unique perspective, the policy and program development of the Association. Each policy group is comprised of program management, program staff and clients.

The majority of the members of the Civil Policy Group are elected on a regional basis. The Defender Policy Group is selected on a nationwide basis.