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Last month, we celebrated Constitution Day, marking the signing of the U.S. Constitution over two centuries ago. It signifies our government’s foundation and our rights’ protection. The Constitution, the world’s oldest operating national constitution, also outlines the sanctity of the rule of law.
Our judiciary is predicated on equal access to justice, but major challenges persist. To honor our Constitution and its enduring significance, we must continuously improve our justice system, which is at the heart of IAALS’ mission. In these divisive times, we stress the importance of diverse perspectives and open dialogue to identify key issues, develop solutions, and find common ground. This is central to our many projects at IAALS, and I hope you will join us in our work to build a fair and effective justice system for all.
Brittany Kauffman, CEO
October 2023 |
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Do you know someone with a bold vision for a more just legal system? Someone who has tirelessly worked to turn that vision into a reality? We want to hear about them and recognize their contributions.
IAALS has opened the nomination window for the 2024 Alli Gerkman Legal Visionary Award, which recognizes innovators who have made significant impacts early in their legal careers toward making the American legal system work better for everyone. IAALS is looking for remarkable candidates—we want to hear about people who not only dream of a brighter justice system but have actively worked to transform that vision into a reality. We’re seeking individuals who are breathing fresh life into old systems, working to reestablish public trust, and reshaping the future landscape of the legal profession.
Nominations will be accepted through December 1, and the award will be presented in April 2024. N0minations can be made here. |
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Better Lawyer Licensing, Part 4: The Final Three Building Blocks of Minimum Competence: 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.
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So You Want to Implement an Allied Legal Professional Program, Part 2: For states looking to implement or improve an allied legal professional program, IAALS provides best practices regarding considerations like in-court representation; eligibility, education, and practical training; and testing.
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| Be sure to read all of the news from IAALS on our blog. |
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| October 10: “Redesigning Legal: Exploring the Legal Tech Market” |
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Speaking Engagements
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Michael Houlberg will present at the American Association for Paralegal Education 2023 Fall Conference on October 5.
Jessica Bednarz, Logan Cornett, and Brittany Kauffman will be speaking at the International Access to Justice Forum on October 11.
Jessica Bednarz will speak on a panel at the Oklahoma Access to Justice Summit on October 20.
Michael Houlberg will present at Illinois Paralegal Association’s inaugural State of the Paralegal Profession on October 23. |
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Development Manager: This part-time position will research and identify new major gift and grant ($50k+) opportunities with foundations, unique funders, state agencies, and federal agencies; collaborate with development, program, and finance colleagues to prepare and submit proposals and reports; and administer the grants management process and life cycle. The position plays a pivotal role in utilizing their expertise in funder relations, prospect research, grant writing, proposal submission processes, and other skill sets to secure new and expanded revenue. Read more and apply here.
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September 27: “How to Make Civil Courts More Open, Effective, and Equitable” on The Pew Charitable Trusts’ website
September 7: “IAALS Announces Joey Orduna Hastings to Board of Advisors” in Nevada Business
September 7: “Oregon Supreme Court to consider alternative attorney licensing pathway” on Courthouse News Service
September 1: “The Sentencing of Mark Ridley-Thomas – Why Questions Will Still Remain in Los Angeles Politics” in Pace News |
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Noteworthy
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IAALS’ Building a Better Bar: The Twelve Building Blocks of Minimum Competence cited in Stanford Law School’s The Bar Re-imagined: Options for State Courts to Re-Structure the Regulation of the Practice of Law report, co-authored by IAALS Board of Advisors member Lucy Ricca.
IAALS’ FAQs: Judges in the United States cited in the University of Buffalo Law School’s The Docket article, “Why Law Isn’t Jazz: A Response.”
IAALS referenced in Concerning the Codification of the Colorado Access to Justice Commission Bill.
IAALS referenced as resource for the Maryland’s Judicial Council Legislative Committee Workgroup to Study Judicial Selection. |
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