IAALS, the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, is thrilled to announce the appointment of four new members to its Board of Advisors. These leaders have dedicated their careers to challenging assumptions about what is possible when it comes to access to justice, and they are committed to advancing IAALS’ mission of unlocking innovations that make the civil justice system more just.

“It takes a diversity of perspective to develop better justice outcomes for more people, which is why the unique expertise each of these individuals brings is so important,” said IAALS CEO Brittany Kauffman. “Their addition to our board is a testament to the growth and impact of IAALS, and we are eager to work together to ensure justice for all is a reality for all.”

The new Board of Advisors members are:

Susan Blanco, Chief Judge of the 8th Judicial District of Colorado: Chief Judge Blanco is the first female to serve as the Chief Judge of the 8th Judicial District of Colorado and will be stepping into the role of co-chair of the Colorado Chief Judges Council at the beginning of 2025. Appointed to the bench in 2017, she has presided over a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, and domestic relations matters. A strong advocate for access to justice, Blanco has pioneered the development of Colorado’s first Competency Court and the Latinx Task Force in Larimer County. Blanco’s innovative spirit and passion for community-based solutions will be invaluable to IAALS.

Mark Chandler, Fellow at the Deborah L. Rhode Center on the Legal Profession, Stanford Law School: Mark Chandler brings a wealth of corporate and legal expertise from his two-decade tenure as Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer at Cisco Systems. His career has been defined by his pioneering efforts to streamline and automate legal operations in an era of rapid technological transformation. With his innovative approach to legal challenges and strong leadership in legal ethics and reform, Chandler’s contributions to IAALS will be significant in shaping the future of legal systems.

Helen M. Hierschbiel, CEO of the Oregon State Bar: As the Chief Executive Officer of the Oregon State Bar since 2016, Helen Hierschbiel has demonstrated her leadership in the legal profession. With a focus on ensuring ethical standards and improving access to legal services, she has served the bar in numerous capacities, including as General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel. Her extensive background in legal service and governance, along with her active engagement in professional volunteer activities at the national level, will provide valuable insights and guidance to IAALS.

Victor Quintanilla, Professor of Law at Indiana University Maurer School of Law: Prof. Victor Quintanilla is a leading scholar in civil justice design and access to justice, leveraging his expertise in social psychology to understand and improve the experiences of unrepresented individuals in court proceedings. His cutting-edge research focuses on people-centered justice reforms and innovative interventions that enhance access for vulnerable populations. Quintanilla’s multidisciplinary approach and dedication to empirical research will enhance IAALS’ ability to ground reform in data.

“The addition of these extraordinary legal innovators from varied backgrounds strengthens IAALS’ ability to clear a path to justice for everyone. They will propel IAALS forward as the independent force behind civil justice transformation,” said Jim Sandman, Chair of IAALS’ Board of Advisors.

For more in-depth details about IAALS’ Board of Advisors, please visit iaals.du.edu/iaals-board-advisors