In October, IAALS convened leaders from various regulatory innovation initiatives to discuss sandbox and alternative business structure efforts and research, improve stakeholder engagement, and emphasize the importance of community relations.

Data from current ALP programs suggests that concerns about consumer protection are largely unfounded. Expanding these programs can deliver competent legal help to countless individuals who lack access to traditional legal services.

The Utah Bar Admissions Working Group has proposed an inventive attorney licensure path rooted in IAALS' Building a Better Bar research. It addresses traditional bar exam shortcomings by prioritizing competence, diversity, and access to justice through five requirements for admission and continuous assessment.

The election—and subsequent threats of impeachment—of Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz has raised concerns about the politicization of the judiciary. These developments underscore the need for merit-based judicial selection to ensure impartiality and public trust in the judicial system.

As more states reimagine how legal services can be delivered, it's crucial to emphasize that successful implementation hinges on robust data collection and evaluation. The more data we gather and analyze, the more robust our foundation becomes for advancing regulatory innovation.

In 2020, IAALS published its groundbreaking report on the 12 building blocks of minimum competence to be a lawyer, our 5 insights for assessment, and our 10 recommendations for better legal licensing. Here, we cover the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth building blocks of minimum competence.

It's time for our justice system to recognize and address imminent, high-impact threats. Just as the pandemic highlighted the need for vigilance and proactive measures, we must confront these looming challenges head-on to ensure access to justice.

The IAALS Alli Gerkman Legal Visionary Award recognizes innovators who have made significant impacts early in their legal careers toward making the American legal system work better for everyone. The nomination window for the 2024 award is now open.

For states looking to implement or improve an allied legal professional program, IAALS' new report provides best practices regarding considerations like in-court representation; eligibility, education, and practical training; and testing.

While acknowledging the crucial role of our Constitution and its enduring significance in our nation, we can also advocate for the ongoing enhancement of our justice system to fully uphold the principles of the rule of law.

A recent poll revealed that many judges are comfortable with self-represented litigants—but still face significant challenges. IAALS has tools to help judges adapt to changing norms and ensure fairness, fostering a respectful courtroom experience.

IAALS' new board members bring a wealth of diverse perspectives and expertise, furthering our momentum and dedication to our mission of realizing a modern, equitable, and accessible legal system.