New National Blueprint Aims to Restore Trust in the Courts through Judicial Evaluation Reform

News and Updates
Today, IAALS, the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, released JPE 2.0: Recommendations for Modernizing Judicial Performance Evaluation. This groundbreaking report highlights a set of reforms designed to help states… MORE

Lawyers Council - Meeting

Event
The IAALS Lawyers Council is a national group of law firms and businesses whose members are invited to participate in IAALS’ work, to engage in our process, and to have a voice at the table of meaningful and impactful reform within the justice… MORE

IAALS' Comment In Support of the Proposed Oregon Legal Paraprofessional Licensing Program

News and Updates
The comment below, based on spoken remarks, was submitted by IAALS to the Oregon State Bar Board of Governors on November 30, 2021, in support of the Proposed Oregon Legal Paraprofessional Licensing Program. Hello, my name is Natalie Knowlton. I am… MORE

In the Wake of Rising Divorce Rates, Technology Can Offer a Hand

News and Updates
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many predicted the rise in housing, unemployment, and bankruptcy cases that would result from business closures, layoffs, and medical bills. As America continues to navigate this public-health crisis, however,… MORE

California Lawmakers Ignore Data in Calls to Restrict the Expansion of Legal Services

News and Updates
The California State Bar is no stranger to controversy, and its recent work in legal regulatory reform has garnered its fair share. While the bar has been exploring solutions to the monumental crisis in access to quality, affordable legal services (… MORE

The Paths to Access: Courts Must Look Within and Beyond Justice System

News and Updates
This fall, IAALS launched the Paths to Justice Summit Series, a series of virtual convenings and webinars focused on the most pressing issues currently faced by our justice system, including the opportunities and challenges of the pandemic,… MORE

Merril Hirsh

Profile
Merril Hirsh of HirshADR PLLC and the Law Office of Merril Hirsh PLLC in Washington, D.C., is the executive director of the Academy of Court-Appointed Masters and the chair of the ABA Judicial Division Lawyers Conference Committee on Special Masters… MORE

A Revolution that Shouldn't Offend Anybody: A Swiss Army Knife to Help Courts and Parties

News and Updates
In the play and movie 1776, there is a scene where the Continental Congress is considering amendments to the Declaration of Independence. Some members warn that provisions might offend the King; others that provisions might offend Parliament.… MORE

A Paralegal's Perspective on the Proposed California Paraprofessional Program

News and Updates
The comment below was submitted to the State Bar of California in support of the proposed Paraprofessional Program. The program would authorize paraprofessionals to provide legal advice in areas such as family, consumer debt, landlord/tenant,… MORE

IAALS Panel Stresses Need for Funding, ‘Mavericks’ in Legal Education Innovation

News and Updates
On December 7, 2021, IAALS co-hosted the fourth session of the Redesigning Legal Speaker Series, bringing together an audience of more than 100 people to explore the opportunities being created by regulatory innovation for legal education. “… MORE