In 2026, IAALS celebrates two decades of impact, and we do so at a moment when justice is under strain and trust in institutions is fragile. A fair and functional court system is the bedrock of a strong democracy. Over the past twenty years, IAALS has built a national reputation for advancing bold, practical solutions across civil justice, family justice, legal education, legal regulation, judicial selection, and other areas of critical importance. We’ve convened leaders across the spectrum, cut through division with data and dialogue, and made reform not only possible but real.
Our 20th year is more than an anniversary. It is a pivotal moment to recommit ourselves to the urgent work ahead. IAALS will mark this milestone with a yearlong celebration, reflecting on where we’ve been, lifting up leaders and partners, and setting a shared vision for our civil justice system at large. We will gather, convene, and call the question: What must justice look like in the decades to come—and how can we all make it a reality?
Below you will find information about our milestone events throughout the year. More details to follow in the coming months, but please mark your calendars now so you can join us throughout 2026 for these important events and conversations.
20th Birthday Party Open HouseWednesday, January 14, 2026 John Moye Hall | IAALS was founded in 2006 with a bold idea: that justice could be more accessible, fair, and trustworthy. Twenty years later, that vision has become a movement, carried forward by leaders, partners, and supporters who believed in something better. Our birthday celebration in January 2026 is about honoring our roots at the University of Denver and thanking the people who made IAALS possible—from our founders and early champions to the many partners who fuel our work today. This event sets the tone for the year: a celebration grounded in gratitude, but aimed squarely at the urgent future. |
IAALS and the Future of Civil Justice: | For nearly two decades, the Rebuilding Justice Award Dinner has been IAALS’ signature celebration of leadership and reform. In our 20th year, it grows into something even more powerful. On April 23, 2026, IAALS will host a full-day Forum on Innovation and Impact featuring conversations with longtime partners, leaders from the profession and business community, and a new generation of visionaries who are setting their sights on the future of justice. That evening, at our Rebuilding Justice Award Dinner, IAALS will recognize five individuals who embody one of our five core values—questioning the status quo, letting data guide the way, centering the people, finding common ground, and setting 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. The evening will feature opportunities for connection, dynamic video storytelling, presentation of our Alli Gerkman Legal Visionary Award, and a fireside chat with national leaders—capturing both IAALS’ history and its bold path forward. Together, the forum and dinner mark the heart of IAALS’ anniversary year: convening, collaborating, and celebrating those who rebuild justice every day. |
Vision 2040 SummitDesigning the Future of Civil Justice—Together October 15 - 16, 2026 Denver, CO | The capstone of IAALS’ 20th year is not about looking back, it is about looking ahead. Our Vision 2040 Summit will bring together innovators from law, business, technology, academia, and the community to ask an urgent question: What must justice look like in 2040—and what will it take to get there? Grounded in the values that have guided IAALS since its founding, the summit will challenge assumptions, spark collaboration, and chart a bold course for reform in the decades ahead—not just for IAALS but for all justice system stakeholders and leaders. Just as IAALS’ founders looked 20 years into the future when they launched the organization, the Vision 2040 Summit will set the trajectory for the next generation. It is both the culmination of our celebration and the ignition of our future. From vision to action, the summit will bring together today's leaders to shape tomorrow’s justice system. |
More information and registration for each event is coming soon. Please save the dates!
For more information about the year's events or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Amy Downing, Events and Partnership Manager, at amy.downing@du.edu.