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Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System

Justice we can believe in.

People of all socioeconomic backgrounds face problems every day with unclear paths to resolution, and 120 million legal problems do not reach a fair resolution every year. With the launch of our findings, we have not only uncovered the justice needs of our diverse populations nationwide—we are paving the way for meaningful progress to close the justice gaps in our society.

Foundations for Practice

Through empirical research, Foundations has compiled the competencies, skills, and characteristics new lawyers need to succeed. Now we are creating different pathways to improve professional development, legal education, and legal hiring, working directly with law firms and law schools to implement best practices.

Unbundling Legal Services

Unbundled legal services, also called limited scope representation, is a service delivery model that holds promise for the growing numbers of self-represented litigants. IAALS advocates for and publishes resources to aid in the implementation of unbundling in order to increase access to justice.

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

News and Updates

exterior of brick building with dark roof

IAALS Promotes One, Welcomes Two as Momentum Builds in 2023

IAALS has promoted Michael Houlberg to director of special projects; joining IAALS are Jessica Bednarz as director of legal services and the profession along with Kirk Jones as senior director of operations.

News and Updates

Q&A with Jim Sandman, Chair of IAALS' Executive Committee

Jim Sandman discusses access to justice, why IAALS' work is essential, and the one thing he can't live without. Trusted partners are key to IAALS' process, and we're excited to showcase their passion and expertise.

Reflecting on 2022 and Setting the Stage for Impact in 2023

IAALS' work as a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to improving the civil justice system through data-driven solutions has never been more critical than it is right now. I am proud of this organization and what we have accomplished this year—and I also know we have much work to do in 2023.

News and Updates

Law Schools Pull Out of U.S. News Rankings, Citing Harm to Legal Education

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.