New Program Associates Expand IAALS’ Expertise and Capabilities

IAALS is thrilled to welcome Ericka Byram and Courtney Petersen to our team as program associates. Byram and Petersen bring extensive experience to our projects and a strong dedication to making justice for all a reality for everyone.

With a diverse background in public service and legal practice, Ericka Byram brings a unique perspective and a commitment to justice reform. She began her career at a small immigration firm in Washington, D.C., providing vital support to families navigating complex immigration processes. Upon relocating to Colorado, Byram expanded her practice to include post-conviction criminal defense work, advocating for indigent criminal defendants in Colorado and Alaska. She honed her passion for social justice and community empowerment during her tenure at the Colorado Poverty Law Project, where she defended tenants facing eviction and led community organizing efforts in northern Colorado. Additionally, Byram has received specialized training in alternative dispute resolution processes, including restorative justice and mediation.

Courtney Petersen joins IAALS with a distinct background spanning law and social work. Petersen is the co-creator of the Human Trafficking Lab at the University of Michigan Law School, where she spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives aimed at addressing systemic issues and improving access to justice. She played a pivotal role in overseeing the development of over 15 social innovation projects, guiding student teams through research, incubation, and implementation of scalable solutions to promote fair and equitable access within the legal system. In addition, Petersen has conducted human rights-based research on migration in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region, notably in Réunion, Mayotte, and South Africa, working with the Legal Resources Centre-Cape Town.

We’re thrilled to welcome them both to our team, which is more poised than ever to jumpstart the groundbreaking and achievable solutions that will clear a path to justice for everyone.