This month marks one year since the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically transformed our way of life. Amidst the uncertainty and upheaval this past year, there has also been tremendous creativity and resilience—and our justice system is no exception. Our slate of upcoming spring events showcases the incredible ways in which courts and legal service providers have risen to the challenge, and how unbundled legal services in the new normal can open the door for both lawyers and those seeking legal help. And don’t forget, we’re also replaying our popular Future of Legal Services Speaker Series for CLE credit. Registration for all these events is open now and we hope you’ll join us!
Sam Walker, Interim Executive Director March 2021
Expert Opinion: No Small Measures: We Must Radically Reconsider Lawyer Licensure and the Bar Exam: The pandemic’s disruption to the status quo brought with it a critical view of the bar exam, how it is administered, and whether it actually tests what it purports to. The status quo—and tinkering around its edges—is not good enough. It is time we had the courage and will to look beyond the assumptions that underpin the current bar exam and towards outcomes and purpose for a new era.
Texas Judicial Selection Commission Votes Against Partisan Judicial Elections, Recommends Further Research: In December 2020, the Texas Commission on Judicial Selection submitted its report on the fairness, effectiveness, and desirability of partisan elections for judicial selection in Texas. Although the commission recommended against the current partisan elections method, the members did not agree on an alternative method for judicial selection and will continue studying potential reforms.
Pandemic Positives Speaker Series Highlights Innovation and Partnerships: Last month, IAALS kicked off our Pandemic Positives Speaker Series, bringing together a number of courts and legal service providers who, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, transformed their day-to-day operations to continue serving the public throughout this critical time.
Program Evaluation Is Critical in Assessing Court Technology: Throughout the past ten months, our justice system has made giant strides in its use of technology, including video- and tele-conferencing, e-filing, remote jury trials, and online dispute resolution. The question now faced by many courts is: are these digital processes working like they’re supposed to?
Be sure to read all of the news from IAALS on our blog.
IAALS is seeking a director of development to establish and manage a fundraising infrastructure within the organization that engages various departments, board members, and advisors. The position will also develop and implement fundraising strategies by identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding various sources of philanthropic support. The director of development will ensure that fund development activities align with IAALS' mission and strategic vision. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to diversity and inclusion through their work and academic or other experiences.
The director of development position is integral to IAALS’ continued success. We are seeking a highly engaged professional—with the relevant background, experience, and skillset—to join our team. At IAALS, you will enjoy colleagues who are experts in their fields; people who are mission-driven, aligned, and working toward a common goal; and a tight-knit community within the larger community of the University of Denver.
February 16: “Q&A | A conversation about judicial discipline, transparency and culture in the wake of Colorado revelations” in Colorado Politics
February 16: “US Legal System Can Benefit From Nonlawyer Ownership” on Law360
February 16: “Business Interruption Discovery for COVID-19 Lawsuits—Suggested Protocols for Judges to Follow” on Merlin Law Group website
February 12: “New Protocols Aim to Streamline Discovery in COVID Business-Interruption Lawsuits” in Claims Journal
February 11: "A New Integrated Bar Exam: What You Need to Know" on 2Civility
February 10: “Veteran Law School Prof. To Lead Research Group IAALS” on Law360
February 10: "Former Law School Dean David Yellen Named CEO Of IAALS" on TaxProf Blog
February 9: “Law School Reformer Lands New Gig Leading Access to Justice Organization” on Law.com February 6: "Lawyers Are From Mars, Clients Are From Venus – And Mediators Can Help Communicate in Space" on Kluwer Mediation Blog
