IAALS Report: Utah Implements IAALS' Bar Exam Research, Still Time to Nominate a Legal Visionary, and More

IAALS is committed to building a diverse range of perspectives into all our work so that our recommendations are deeply rooted in the experiences of those affected by and involved in the justice system. This fall, we’ve reinforced these connections through a successful convening on regulatory reform, a productive board meeting, and a series of virtual convenings on judicial performance evaluation. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate our upcoming convening on alternate licensure pathways for new lawyers beyond the bar exam and an in-person meeting with our JPE 2.0 Task Force.

These gatherings collectively drive the transformative, system-wide changes necessary for improving our justice system. As we enter this season of gratitude, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who collaborates with us in our shared vision to achieve justice for all.

Brittany Kauffman, CEO
November 2023

Data Plays a Critical Role in Regulatory Innovation: 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.

Balancing Consumer Protection and Consumer Access with Alternative Legal Service Providers: 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.

Utah Bar Admissions Working Group Proposes Novel Pathway Grounded in IAALS’ Research: 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.


Wisconsin Impeachment Demonstrates the Problem with Judicial Elections: 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.	Building a Consumer-Centered Legal Market: Takeaways from IAALS’ Convening on Regulatory Reform: 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.

Be sure to read all of the news from IAALS on our blog.

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 is accepting nominations 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.

Get ready to join IAALS for our countdown to the new year campaign. We’ll be sharing more information on what we’ve been up to this past year, what you can expect from us in the coming year, and how you can best support our work as an independently funded nonprofit.

Ready to make your end of year gift to IAALS? Click here to support the pursuit of excellence in the American legal system.

November: Legal LicensureCon

Speaking Engagements

Jessica Bednarz will present at the National ABS Law Firm Association’s 2nd Annual Meeting on November 12.

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.

October 28: “California’s New Disclosure Requirements Look to Rein in Discovery Costs. Will It Work?” on Law.com

October 17: “IAALS Announces Six Renowned Leaders Joining the Board of Advisors” on Courtoom 5’s website

October 13: “Civil Legal Aid Cuts Are A Threat To Justice And Prosperity” on Law360

October 13: “The future of law: essential skills and abilities” on Javali’s website

October 11: “IAALS Releases National Framework for States to Create New Tier of Legal Professionals Who Can Offer More Affordable Legal Help” in SJI News

October 7: “Courts Come to Order With Judges, Litigants—but No Lawyers” in the Wall Street Journal

Noteworthy

IAALS’ recent Lawyers Council meeting featured in the Colorado Lawyer.

IAALS cited in a South Carolina Law Review article.

IAALS’ Civil Case Processing In The Federal District Courts cited in a post on SCOCAblog.

IAALS mentioned on the Diversity & Inclusiveness page of Sherman & Howard’s website.

IAALS’ Ahead of the Curve: Turning Law Students into Lawyers research added to the Jurisdictions page on the Lawyer Licensing Resources website.

IAALS’ Foundations for Practice research used in Sturm College of Law’s application process.


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