Foundations 2.0 Focus Groups: Shape the Future of Legal Education and the Profession

Foundations 2.0 is a national research study to understand the skills and knowledge needed for practice in today’s legal landscape. Findings from this study—led by IAALS and the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)—will result in an evidence-based model for lawyer competence to inform the future of legal education, hiring, and professional development across the country.

Information on this page is intended for lawyers who are interested in participating in the Foundations 2.0 lawyer focus groups. Visit the project page for more information.

Focus group sessions will be held between October 13 – December 5, 2025. Participants will receive a $40 Visa gift card for participating.

Why are we holding focus groups?

In the first phase of this study, we administered a national survey to gather data about the knowledge and skills necessary for competent practice at different stages of a lawyer’s career. In the second phase, we are conducting focus groups to gain a deeper understanding of lawyers’ experiences in practice and the most effective ways for gaining the necessary knowledge and skills—because your perspectives are crucial for fully understanding these competencies and how they intersect with the realities of legal practice today.

Interested in participating?

We are looking for a wide variety of perspectives from lawyers of different professional and personal backgrounds. If you are a lawyer licensed to practice in the U.S. and are interested in participating in a focus group, please review the information on this page and then follow the link below to complete the Foundations 2.0 Focus Group Interest Form. You are not required to complete the Foundations 2.0 survey to participate in a focus group.