News & Updates

Although many navigate the legal system without representation, their lack of counsel shouldn't compromise their access to justice. While not all self-help materials are created equally, courts can implement certain key principles to empower self-represented litigants to navigate proceedings with confidence.

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.

Sonja Ebron discusses the challenges of a complex civil justice system, unifying varied perspectives, and why access to justice is personal. The wide breadth of IAALS’ partnerships is integral to our work, and we’re excited to showcase our board members’ dedication and expertise.

Stacey Marz discusses the importance of simplifying processes, IAALS’ people-centered approach, and her love of wild places. The wide breadth of IAALS’ partnerships is integral to our work, and we’re excited to showcase our board members’ dedication and expertise.

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.

Navigating divorce as a family can be challenging, but child-centered approaches prioritize their well-being. The Center for Out-of-Court Divorce in Denver, active from 2015 to 2017, emphasized the importance of putting children's interests first.

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.

IAALS is awarding Eduardo Gonzalez, Program Officer for Civil Justice at the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, the fourth annual Alli Gerkman Legal Visionary Award. "Eduardo represents so much of what the Alli Gerkman Legal Visionary Award is about," said Brittany Kauffman. "He is early in his career, but his impacts and passion for innovation have outpaced his short time in the profession."

Our Paths to Justice Summit Series, launched in 2021, focused on the ways our justice system needed to adapt in the wake of the pandemic. Our latest report underscores the importance of a people-centered approach, embracing technology, and promoting diversity, advocating for an ongoing commitment to progress within the interconnected civil justice system.

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.

January is Child-Centered Divorce Awareness Month, emphasizing the need for a more child-centric approach to the separation process. Various organizations, including IAALS, provide resources guiding individuals towards a cooperative divorce process that prioritizes children's well-being for lasting positive outcomes.

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.

Oregon has introduced a licensing system for legal professionals known as Licensed Paralegals to tackle the access to justice crisis. The Committee of Paralegal Assessors will review applications to ensure they meet the regulatory requirements for admission to the Oregon State Bar. 

The U.S. Supreme Court recently adopted a code of ethics to enhance transparency and trust. However, critics note its reliance on self-enforcement, vagueness, and similarity to existing practices, raising concerns about its impact on justices' behavior and public confidence.

To say that Sandra Day O’Connor fundamentally changed the legal landscape for good is really only a beginning, not a summation, of the contributions she made. To my mind, her deepest value came in the simple doing of things and doing them in an authentic and straightforward way that forged a new path forward.

We at IAALS are among the many saddened by the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. We are honored that Justice O’Connor chose to partner with us to continue her work on judicial selection through IAALS, and we strive to carry on her legacy.