Civil Justice

An outdated system is an ineffective system

A modern society, with modern people and problems, demands the evolution of systems created hundreds of years ago. The complex realities that we face every day aren’t accounted for in today’s rigid, inaccessible, and change-resistant civil justice system. Sticking to the status quo has stifled innovation and collaboration. We need a forward-looking civil justice system that progresses alongside the society it serves.

  • 66 %

    of Americans experienced at least one legal issue in the past four years.

  • 49 %

    of Americans experience legal problems for which they can’t find a solution.

  • 120 M

    legal problems are either not resolved or resolved in a way that’s seen as unfair each year.

  • 70 %

    of civil and family cases include at least one unrepresented party.

Transforming civil justice

When a system works to meet the changing needs of the people it serves, engaging with that system becomes more efficient, affordable, and effective.

IAALS has long served as a catalyst for positive change in the civil justice system, from improved civil processes and procedures to redefining case management for today’s justice system and justice needs. Our work is leading to a more user-centric approach that benefits everyone who interacts with the courts.

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Uncomplicated Courts Initiative

Our work to improve civil processes and procedures helps courts work better for everyone involved. Our Uncomplicated Courts Initiative is simplifying the traditional and confusing court processes, leveraging modern and user-friendly technology, and expanding the universe of legal helpers to call upon—enabling ordinary people to navigate common legal issues with clarity and ease.

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US Justice Needs

Our ability to better the civil justice system soars when it’s backed by data that reflects the true challenges people experience when seeking justice. Our US Justice Needs project assesses the actual needs of the people. This wealth of data is helping retarget efforts toward advancing relevant and scalable justice solutions.

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Focused reporting on the justice needs of critical populations is forthcoming:

  • Family justice needs

  • Rural justice needs

  • Middle class justice needs

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Businesses also have justice needs

Justice needs are not just going unmet for people. Businesses are a bedrock of our society, and businesses of all sizes face many challenges with our legal system. IAALS is shaping the future of business disputes with recommendations that will empower businesses and equip system stakeholders with new models for resolving business disputes and new best practices for business courts.

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More civil justice resources

  • Civil Justice Initiative

    We have supported the development of recommendations for transforming our state courts and continue to support their implementation nationwide.

  • Efficiency in Motion

    Much of the work done to address the cost and delay in the civil justice process has focused on discovery. However, there are equal challenges and opportunities for improvement in the area of motions practice.

  • Redefining Case Management

    Now, more than ever, courts need to implement better case management approaches, and we are working to broaden, re-envision, and ultimately redefine the practice for our rapidly evolving legal system.

  • Discovery Reform

    IAALS has focused much of its time and effort on ways to improve the effectiveness of discovery—with the ultimate goal of ensuring an accessible system for all.

How can we help? IAALS partners with stakeholders nationwide to build, implement, and evaluate legal system innovations. Learn more.

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