Honestly, I think the problems with the site (downtime, lack of search button, messed up home page, etc.) need to be fixed before any new niche can be carved. I'm also not sure a new niche can be directed...it just kinda has to happen.
If I could redesign the site, I would cut down the number of sub-forums at least until traffic improves, so that it's not like there's one post here and one post there, all scattered. Maybe a general board, LSAT board, Admissions/0L board, and a Law School Board.