Conceived in 1985 as jails in member counties faced increasing liability insurance costs and challenges in Federal court, the project evolved slowly as unmet county needs were analyzed. By the end of 1986, 14 counties had formally joined the project. The Lawsuit Avoidance Project embraces many key principles associated with risk management. Specific project objectives are to improve management accountability, operations, and facilities of county jails; to reduce liability exposure; to minimize lawsuits; and to protect insurability. Risk management services focus on county jail employees, jail operations, legal services, investigative services, and audit services. Key developments developed by the project include a project implementation plan format and a memorandum of agreement between member counties and the South Iowa Area Crime Commission.