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Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System

Unlocking Justice Innovation

Current judicial performance evaluation (JPE) processes—which are like job evaluations for judges—no longer fully capture the experience of modern court users, the needs of modern judges, or the expectations of modern voters. Our JPE 2.0 project is helping JPE programs update their approaches to reflect modern realities, while remaining accurate, trusted, and relevant.

Foundations for Practice

Foundations 2.0 is underway! Our Foundations work has compiled the competencies, skills, and characteristics new lawyers need to succeed, and we have created different pathways to improve professional development, legal education, and legal hiring, working directly with law firms and law schools to implement best practices.

reviewing new person in the middle with magnifying glass

Allied Legal Professionals

Up and down the income scale, the legal needs of Americans are going unmet. Allied legal professionals hold a key to bringing more accessible and affordable legal help where it is needed most. Like nurse practitioners, allied legal professionals show great potential, and this project is working to grow these successful programs nationwide.

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

UPDATED: Term Limits for the United States Supreme Court

Lifetime tenure has been the source of controversy in recent years, and fixed, 18-year terms have become the most frequently proposed alternative.

News and Updates

Utah Sandbox Inspires Similar Regulatory Initiatives in Canada and other States

Following Utah's example, several other states and Canadian provinces are exploring regulatory sandboxes to address the access to justice crisis and create innovative services for people's unmet legal needs.

IAALS Expands Impact with Four New Board Members

IAALS is thrilled to announce that Chief Judge Susan Blanco, Mark Chandler, Helen M. Hierschbiel, and Victor Quintanilla have joined our Board of Advisors. We are eager to work together to ensure justice for all is a reality for all.

News and Updates

IAALS' Disaster Protocols Provide Guidance amidst Chaos

In the aftermath of severe hurricanes in the southeastern United States, it's crucial to ensure that justice remains accessible. IAALS’ Disaster Protocols are designed to keep the justice system functional, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.