IAALS Brings Together Leaders from the Plaintiffs’ Bar to Discuss Civil Justice Reform

This month, IAALS will convene a group of plaintiffs’ attorneys from Colorado and around the country to discuss the present and future impact of civil justice reform in the United States.

Over the last ten years, there have been significant efforts at the state and federal level to address the issues of cost and delay so as to make our civil justice system more accessible. We are on the cusp of significant federal rule amendments going into effect on December 1, 2015. At the same time, a committee designated by the Conference of Chief Justices is working on recommendations, expected in January 2016, that will propose important reform at the state court level.

While much has been done up until this point to improve the system, we know the devil is in the details, for both sides. What happens at the point of implementation is critical, so that the changes are implemented in a way that achieves their intended positive impact.

We look to others for input on how best to implement the upcoming changes and what culture shifts are necessary to achieve the intended positive impact, and have held a number of convenings this spring to gather input. This Plaintiffs Forum will provide an opportunity for us to share more information regarding these efforts, to discuss our role at IAALS, and to engage in a dialogue with the plaintiffs’ bar regarding areas of concern and ideas for achieving positive change.