In February, the American Bar Association published Design Your Law Practice: Using Design Thinking to Get Next Level Results. I served as co-editor on this project, which is intended to be a one-stop resource to learn the basics of design thinking, gain insight into how design thinking principles have been successfully applied in the legal services sectors, and prepare…
Continue Reading New ABA Book Spotlights the Benefits of Using Design Thinking to Think Like a Client

In December, Congress passed the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act, which will protect judges’ personally identifiable information from resale by data brokers. The act will also permit federal judges to redact personal information displayed on federal government websites, as well as prevent the publication of personal information by other businesses and individuals where there is no legitimate…
Continue Reading Judicial Security Is Increasing Concern across the Country

In November 2022, IAALS hosted a convening of subject-matter experts to review and provide feedback on its report, The Landscape of Allied Legal Professional Programs in the United States, prior to publication. Paraprofessionals, court leadership, and bar leadership from states that have adopted allied legal professional (ALP) programs joined the convening, along with faculty from legal education institutions and…
Continue Reading Allied Legal Professionals and the Legal Service Ecosystem

Editor’s Note: Judge Jeremy Fogel, executive director of the Berkeley Judicial Institute, is a member of IAALS’ board of advisors and executive committee. Trusted partners are key to IAALS’ process, and we’re excited to showcase their passion and expertise. In this Q&A, Judge Fogel discusses access to justice, IAALS’ key strengths, and the traits he admires in others.Why is the…
Continue Reading Q&A with Judge Jeremy Fogel, Member of IAALS' Executive Committee

IAALS, the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, announced today that it is awarding Ariadna M. Godreau-Aubert, founder and executive director of Ayuda Legal Puerto Rico, the third annual Alli Gerkman Legal Visionary Award. The award is designed to encourage and showcase innovators, risk takers, visionaries, and emerging leaders who bring a different perspective and a…
Continue Reading Ariadna M. Godreau-Aubert Named 2023 Recipient of IAALS’ Alli Gerkman Legal Visionary Award

Since 2009, the ABA Journal has recognized lawyers who are pushing the legal profession forward, whether that’s by leveraging technology, improving systems, or imagining new ways of practicing law. Last week, it was announced that several friends of IAALS—including alumni Natalie Knowlton and Zack DeMeola—made the 2023 Class of Legal Rebels. “These forward thinkers aren’t waiting for the next major…
Continue Reading Several IAALS Alumni and Friends Named 2023 Legal Rebels

IAALS is pleased to announce a promotion and new hires who will bring their leadership and years of expertise to our team. Former manager Michael Houlberg has been promoted to director of special projects, and Jessica Bednarz has joined IAALS as director of legal services and the profession along with Kirk Jones as senior director of operations.Houlberg, who joined IAALS…
Continue Reading IAALS Promotes One, Welcomes Two as Momentum Builds in 2023

Editor’s Note: James (Jim) Sandman, president emeritus of the Legal Services Corporation, is chair of IAALS’ board of advisors and executive committee. Trusted partners are key to IAALS’ process, and we’re excited to showcase their passion and expertise. In this Q&A, Jim discusses access to justice, why IAALS’ work is essential, and the one thing he can’t live without.Why is…
Continue Reading Q&A with Jim Sandman, Chair of IAALS' Executive Committee

When I joined IAALS in 2012, I knew I was joining an organization that was critical to solving the toughest problems in the American legal system. Over time, I have come to understand much more about the scope of those problems, as well as the urgency with which they need to be addressed. And I have seen firsthand that IAALS…
Continue Reading Reflecting on 2022 and Setting the Stage for Impact in 2023

Author’s Note: the views and opinions presented here reflect those of Ralph Baxter’s essay on regulatory reform and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the author or IAALS. Part 1 in this series explores the other side of this debate.The reform of key provisions in the regulatory scheme governing the practice of law is a hot topic…
Continue Reading A Debate on Nonlawyer Participation Part II: Ralph Baxter Explores the State Bar Obligation to Improve Access to Justice

Author’s Note: the views and opinions presented here reflect those of Stephen Younger’s essay on regulatory reform and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the author or IAALS. Part II in this series will explore the other side of this debate.There is a growing debate on regulatory reform happening across the United States. The latest forum for…
Continue Reading A Debate on Nonlawyer Participation, Part I: Stephen Younger Warns that Nonlawyer Ownership Is Not the Solution to the Justice Gap

In November, several law schools made the decision to withdraw from the U.S. News & World Report rankings, reigniting conversation about the publication’s role in perpetuating inequality in legal education. Yale Law School was the first to announce its decision to no longer participate in the rankings, followed by Harvard, UC Berkeley, Georgetown, Columbia, and Stanford, among others. In …
Continue Reading Law Schools Pull Out of U.S. News Rankings, Citing Harm to Legal Education