Denver Art Museum
100 W 14th Ave Pkwy
Denver, Colorado 80204
6:00 p.m. - Cocktails
7:00 p.m. - Dinner
Rebuilding Justice Award
Each year, IAALS recognizes individuals and groups who exemplify the spirit of innovation and leadership that we champion as we work toward building a legal system that is accessible, fair, reliable, and accountable. The first recipient of the Rebuilding Justice Award was U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Over the years, IAALS has given the award to chief justices of state supreme courts, legislators, federal district court judges, legal educators, philanthropists, and others. See the full list of recipients here.
During our 20th anniversary, IAALS is proud to recognize five individuals who each embody one of our five core values: question the status quo, let data guide the way, center the people, find common ground, and set our sights on tomorrow. These honorees represent the many forms of leadership needed to rebuild justice, and the values that must guide our system at large. In recognizing these leaders, IAALS celebrates their shared pursuit of a more accessible, innovative justice system and renews our pledge to advance that vision in all we do.
Awardees
Dave Byers
Director, Administrative Office of the Courts, Arizona Supreme Court
Question the Status Quo: Byers has brought visionary leadership and bold innovation to Arizona’s courts, transforming them into a national model for justice reform. Never content with convention, he has consistently challenged norms and inspired others to reimagine what’s possible—and he has strengthened our shared commitment to questioning the status quo.
William C. Hubbard
Dean and Educational Foundation Distinguished Professor, University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law
Let Data Guide the Way: Hubbard has long championed evidence-based reform, urging institutions to measure what matters and stay accountable to real-world outcomes. Through his leadership at the World Justice Forum, the American Bar Association, and the University of South Carolina School of Law, he has shown that progress in justice requires data, research, and unwavering integrity.
Stacy Rupprecht Jane
Director, Innovation for Justice (i4J)
Center the People: Jane’s work puts people at the heart of justice system reform. As Director of i4J, she has expanded access to civil legal services and elevated the voices of those too often unheard. Her advocacy reminds us that meaningful reform begins with listening and centering the people we serve.
Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht (Ret.)
Supreme Court of Texas
Find Common Ground: Chief Justice Hecht has united diverse voices across Texas and beyond to advance justice through collaboration. His leadership demonstrates that progress is possible when we bridge divides, seek shared values, and work together. His legacy reminds us that common ground is the foundation of lasting reform.
Sateesh Nori
Senior Legal Innovation Strategist, Just Tech LLC
Set Our Sights on Tomorrow: Nori brings a visionary approach to building the future of justice. From years of fighting for housing rights to his work at JustFix, he blends compassion and innovation to expand access to legal services. He challenges us to think boldly, embrace technology, and set our sights on tomorrow.
Fireside Chat
For our 20th anniversary, we are bringing together our Founding Executive Director Rebecca Love Kourlis and current CEO Brittany Kauffman alongside former Michigan Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack for a fireside chat on reimagining the justice system. Together, they will reflect on two decades of reform and impact, explore today’s challenges and opportunities, and share bold ideas for rebuilding justice into the future and achieving IAALS vision of a world where everyone has a clear path to justice.
Alli Gerkman Legal Visionary Award
The Alli Gerkman Legal Visionary Award is designed to encourage and showcase innovators, risk takers, visionaries, and emerging leaders who bring a different perspective and a reform-minded approach to the improvement of our legal system, and who are early in their legal careers.
The 2026 awardee will be announced in January.
For sponsorship or other event information, please contact Amy Downing, Events and Partnership Manager, at amy.downing@du.edu.