Advancing Innovation: A National Summit and Webinar Series on Judicial Leadership

September 19, 2024 to September 20, 2024

Webinar Dates:

June 5, 2025 - Cultivating Public Trust through Innovation
August 6, 2025 - Finding Your Center: Mindfulness for Innovative Leaders
November 12, 2025 - Overcoming Resistance and Building Buy-In
February 11, 2026 - Staying the Course: Strategies for Sustaining Change
May 13, 2026 - Collaborative Leadership: Building Coalitions for Innovation
August 12, 2026 - Measuring What Matters: Evaluating the Impact of Innovations

The National Summit on Judicial Leadership, co-hosted by IAALS and the Berkeley Judicial Institute, brought together judicial leaders at an in-person, invite-only event in September 2024. The program featured keynote addresses from judicial leaders and change experts as well as interactive opportunities for peer collaboration that enabled judges to learn from one another; discuss the challenges and opportunities they face; and understand the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to transformative leadership.

The summit empowered robust and resilient judicial leaders to thrive in the midst of challenges, respond to crises, and drive change at the speed and scale needed to tackle the mounting challenges facing the legal system. By allowing judges to step out of their silos and focus energy on collaborative problem-solving, the summit has inspired a new wave of innovations taking root in courts across the country.

The Judicial Leadership Summit inspired me to create instructional videos for litigants using an AI avatar of myself, which are now an approved pilot project by the Illinois Supreme Court. Without attending, I would not have known that this was even a possibility. Thank you for expanding my vision and imagination! — Judge Maryam Ahmad, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois

Building on the momentum of the summit, IAALS and the Berkeley Judicial Institute launched a dynamic webinar series designed to equip judges with the practical tools and insights needed to drive meaningful innovation in the courts.

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This series will go beyond theory and dive deep into strategies that will empower judges to navigate change, build trust, and foster a more accessible justice system for all.

This series is open to all judges seeking to become catalysts for positive change in the legal system.

For more information, please contact Danielle Kalil at danielle.kalil@du.edu.

Upcoming Events:

white paper airplanes with a red one leading the way forward

Cultivating Public Trust through Innovation

In a time of evolving public perceptions, how can judicial innovation strengthen trust in the courts? This session will explore tangible ways judges can lead change that fosters greater public confidence in our legal system. Gain actionable strategies from experienced judicial leaders and innovators on how to build a more equitable and accessible justice system for all. Featuring Judge Paul Grimm (Ret.), Brittany Kauffman, Judge Scott Schlegel, and Judge Erica Yew.

Finding Your Center: Mindfulness for Innovative Leaders

Change is demanding, and judicial leaders need tools to navigate these demands while prioritizing their well-being. This session will provide practical mindfulness techniques and strategies specifically tailored for judicial leaders. Learn to balance the demands of innovation with essential self-care practices, recognize the signs of burnout, and cultivate sustained motivation to drive long-term progress. Featuring Judge Jeremy Fogel (Ret.) and Dr. Dacher Keltner.

Overcoming Resistance and Building Buy-In

Innovation often meets resistance. Learn how to navigate it effectively and build powerful support for change. This session will delve into the root causes of resistance and equip you with practical tools to proactively address it. Discover strategies for engaging stakeholders, communicating your vision, and fostering a collaborative culture that champions successful innovation initiatives. Featuring Judge Jennifer D. Bailey (Ret.), Justice Diana Hagen, and Brittany Kauffman.

Staying the Course: Strategies for Sustaining Change

Innovation is a long game. How do you ensure lasting impact and maintain momentum in the face of challenges? This session will provide concrete strategies for overcoming obstacles and opposition, maintaining commitment, and celebrating milestones to ensure the long-term success of your innovation efforts. Featuring Dr. Lana Cook.

Collaborative Leadership: Building Coalitions for Innovation

Coalitions are essential to real change. Discover how to build powerful partnerships to drive judicial innovation. This session will feature experienced judicial leaders who have successfully collaborated with other branches of government, community organizations, and non-profit groups. Featuring Chief Judge Susan Blanco, Judge Maritza Dominguez Braswell, Judge Samuel Thumma, and Judge Bernice Donald (Ret.).

Measuring What Matters: Evaluating the Impact of Innovations

How do you now if your innovations are truly making a difference? This session will equip you with practical strategies for taking a data-driven approach to evaluating the impact of your initiatives. Learn how to identify key performance indicators, effectively collect and analyze relevant data, and use those insights to inform future decisions and demonstrate the value of your innovative work. Featuring Judge Kevin Burke, Margaret Hagan, Victor Quintanilla, and Beth Wiggins.

Free Registration: