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Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System

Unlocking Justice Innovation

Too many people cannot effectively access our legal system to protect their rights and resolve their disputes. But if we want to make legal services more accessible, we must re-envision how they are delivered. This project is about taking a bold step forward into a consumer-centered regulatory system—one that is competitive, broadly accessible, and better meets the needs of the people.

high angle view of people forming a speech bubble

People-Centered Legal Regulation: Grassroots Engagement with the Public

States at the forefront of legal regulation efforts understand that public engagement is a critical piece of the puzzle, but states have difficulties engaging with everyday people on these complex and nuanced issues. This project is developing strategies and tools that states need to facilitate meaningful public participation in these vital efforts.

Building a Better Bar: Capturing Minimum Competence

The legal profession has never had a clear, explicit understanding of the minimum competence needed to practice law and how it should be tested on the bar exam (or through other licensing approaches). Through this project, we have defined minimum competence and have new recommendations for how the legal licensing process—including the bar exam—must change to better serve the public.

What We Do

IAALS is changing how our system serves people today, while anticipating and preparing for future needs—delivering justice all of us can believe in.

people gathered to improve the legal system

For the People

What good is the promise of “justice for all” if costs, complexity, and inaccessibility make it impossible for so many? Our system is designed to serve the people, so IAALS places them at the center of all we do.

dad and daughter walking into courthouse

Through the Courts

At IAALS, we’re identifying innovations that make the court system easier to navigate for everyone, while also helping courts increase efficiency, reduce procedural complexity, and make the most of the often limited resources they have.

With the Profession

The legal profession must evolve to put client and consumer needs first. IAALS is helping do just that—through improved legal education, better lawyer licensing, and re-regulation of legal services to make them more available and responsive to all.

We work across five broad areas of reform in our legal system:

Civil Justice Reform

Family Justice Reform

The Judiciary

Legal Education

Legal Profession

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Recent News and Updates

IAALS Announces 2025 Rebuilding Justice Award Recipient

IAALS has announced the executive committee and coordinating members of the Colorado Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (LLP) Committee as the recipients of the 2025 Rebuilding Justice Award. We're proud to recognize the achievements of the individuals who enabled LLPs to increase access to legal services for one of the largest segments of the justice gap.

US Constitution rolled next to American flag

Constitution Day 2024: A Call to Untiring Effort

There is a clear groundswell that we must do more than just laud democracy and the rule of law. While there is great importance in speaking to the value of these American institutions, there is a great necessity to do much more to uphold them.

News and Updates

Innovating from the Bench: Judges as Agents of Change

Judges hold a uniquely powerful position within the justice system, making their leadership crucial for meaningful reform. To drive lasting change, we need leaders who not only address current challenges but also proactively design a system that anticipates and meets future needs.

A report cover with people carrying a key and unlocking paths for legal workers

New IAALS Report Offers Recommendations for Advancing Regulatory Reform Nationwide to Address Dire Gap in Legal Services for Majority of Americans

IAALS has released a new report with results and recommendations on how legal regulation innovation can address the continued and urgent legal services gap faced by the majority of Americans today.