I joined IAALS during an extraordinary time, as a global pandemic and reckoning with racial injustice revealed the myriad ways our legal system isn’t measuring up to its promise of justice for all. In the year since my transition to IAALS began, we have been working nonstop to address these pressing issues and many others, grounded in research and data as well as collaboration with diverse stakeholders across the system. It’s been a privilege to connect with others who are committed to our vision, and I’m grateful to all those who have supported IAALS’ work—by collaborating on events and projects, by amplifying our message on social media, or by making a donation. Thank you.
David Yellen, CEO February 2022
A Paralegal's Perspective on the Proposed California Paraprofessional Program: This comment was submitted to the State Bar of California in support of the proposed Paraprofessional Program, which would authorize paraprofessionals to provide legal advice in areas such as family, consumer debt, landlord/tenant, employment/income, and collateral criminal cases, as well as represent parties in court (excluding jury trials).
IAALS’ First Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Andrew Arruda, Leaves a Legacy at IAALS: After a year of collaboration and innovation, IAALS Board of Advisors member Andrew Arruda has completed his term as our first entrepreneur-in-residence. We are deeply grateful to Arruda for his tireless work and invaluable expertise over this past year—and for everything he’s done to move our mission forward.
A Revolution that Shouldn't Offend Anybody: A Swiss Army Knife to Help Courts and Parties: Special masters can provide adjunct services to free up time for judges and court administrators—which has become crucial in the wake of the pandemic. But most people have very little experience with special masters or understanding of what they do. Think "Swiss army knife."
January 20: "Lessenberry: Low level of trust in government brings high level of trouble" in the Toledo Blade
January 18: "The high stakes of being a low-wage Tennessee worker | Opinion" in the Tennessean
January 13: "Willamette Law announces plan to hire additional faculty as Oregon advances alternative pathways to licensure" on Willamette Law’s website
IAALS’ Foundations for Practice listed under the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law’s 1L Research Guide.
IAALS’ Denver Law Firm Coalition for Racial Equity Convening Summary Report listed under Research, Reports, and News Articles on Diversity in the Legal Profession and the Well-Being of Lawyers from Underrepresented and Historically Excluded Populations on the Lawyer Well-Being Massachusetts website.
