News & Updates

The program recognizes that entrepreneurial lawyers and nonlawyers alike should be empowered to pilot a range of differing business forms that would otherwise be prohibited, but could ultimately improve access to justice and legal services for the public.

There is a clear groundswell that we must do more than just laud democracy and the rule of law. While there is great importance in speaking to the value of these American institutions, there is a great necessity to do much more to uphold them.

IAALS has released a new report with results and recommendations on how legal regulation innovation can address the continued and urgent legal services gap faced by the majority of Americans today.

Community-based justice worker programs equip individuals in community organizations to offer legal services, helping to bridge the access to justice gap. I4J provides design options for these programs, focusing on regulatory reforms, training, service scope, and credentialing.

The Texas Supreme Court is expanding access to justice by approving programs that allow professionals who aren't attorneys to provide limited legal services to low-income individuals. These new rules, crucial for those struggling to afford legal help, are expected to take effect on December 1.

IAALS has launched a new project to understand and incorporate public perspectives on regulatory reform in the legal profession. This initiative provides states with essential tools and resources to engage the public—those most affected by legal reform—in these complex discussions.

Utah's regulatory sandbox might include a new participant: social workers from Utah State University’s Community Justice Advocate Program, which aims to help people dealing with consumer debt. Unlike many similar programs, USU’s would be operated with lawyers in a supporting role.

Eduardo Gonzalez discusses what drives his passion for access to justice, overcoming systemic challenges in our civil justice system, and what it means to receive the Alli Gerkman Legal Visionary Award.

Around a third of American households live just above the poverty line, facing financial struggles yet ineligible for many social services such as free legal aid. Initiatives like the Above the Line Network aim to improve access to affordable legal assistance for these underserved communities.

Colorado's Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals are poised to bridge the affordability gap and ease state court burdens, providing essential legal support to those who can't afford attorneys.

Last week, IAALS gathered with partners and friends for our 16th Annual Rebuilding Justice Award Dinner, celebrating the year’s awardees and everyone who works with us to jumpstart the groundbreaking and achievable solutions that will clear a path to justice for everyone.

The world at large is constantly evolving, and so must our civil justice system. In on 2023 Annual Report, read how our work centers the people and how our solutions cascade from IAALS to the millions who benefit nationwide.

In November, Oregon made history by introducing a non-exam, performance-based pathway to licensure for lawyers. By exploring alternative routes and gathering data, other states can establish rigorous, fair systems that foster competent legal professionals.

Generative AI is already impacting every aspect of human life, including the law. This technology presents us with an opportunity to enhance the administration of justice—while remembering to keep people at the heart of this effort.

IAALS and the Law School Admission Council have announced a new joint project designed to provide a comprehensive updated view of the skills and competencies new lawyers need to succeed and serve clients well in the rapidly evolving legal profession.

The North Carolina Justice for All Project is suing the state over restrictions on providing legal advice, aiming to establish nonlawyers' right to offer limited services and spark reform discussions for a fairer legal system.

The community-based justice worker model is rapidly expanding within the civil justice ecosystem, showcasing diverse forms and significant impact. Here, we explore its evolution, approaches, and nationwide influence on improving access to justice.

Leaders in the regulatory innovation movement encounter two persistent misconceptions: that the access to justice crisis solely impacts low-income individuals and that new legal market models pose risks to consumers. Despite evidence refuting these beliefs, they persist, underscoring the need for clarification and advocacy efforts.

The Above the Line Network aims to tackle challenges in middle-class legal access by fostering collaboration and advocating for systemic changes. Spanning efforts across North America and beyond, ATLN is dedicated to delivering quality, affordable legal services while amplifying the voices of the often-overlooked middle class.

Throughout the past year, IAALS has been at the forefront of advancing justice by broadening access to legal assistance, rethinking regulation, and redefining legal licensure. As we step into 2024, we remain dedicated to bringing about transformative change within the justice system.