Allied Legal Professionals

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New IAALS Report Sets National Vision for Allied Legal Professionals via Reciprocity

IAALS has released Building Bridges: Guidelines for Creating Reciprocity between Allied Legal Professional Programs, a first-of-its-kind report offering detailed recommendations for how states can enable ALPs to transfer their credentials across state lines.

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Up and down the income scale, the legal needs of Americans are going unmet. Allied legal professionals hold a key to bringing more accessible and affordable legal help where it is needed most. Like nurse practitioners, allied legal professionals show great potential, and this project is working to grow these successful programs nationwide.

i4J Develops New Tool for Leaders Interested in Developing Community-Based Justice Worker Programs

Community-based justice worker programs equip individuals in community organizations to offer legal services, helping to bridge the access to justice gap. I4J provides design options for these programs, focusing on regulatory reforms, training, service scope, and credentialing.

Texas Strives to Help Low-Income Individuals with Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals and Licensed Court-Access Assistants Proposal

The Texas Supreme Court is expanding access to justice by approving programs that allow professionals who aren't attorneys to provide limited legal services to low-income individuals. These new rules, crucial for those struggling to afford legal help, are expected to take effect on December 1.

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The Role Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals Can Play in Colorado Law Firms

Colorado's Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals are poised to bridge the affordability gap and ease state court burdens, providing essential legal support to those who can't afford attorneys.

The North Carolina Justice for All Project: From Foundation to First Amendment Lawsuit

The North Carolina Justice for All Project is suing the state over restrictions on providing legal advice, aiming to establish nonlawyers' right to offer limited services and spark reform discussions for a fairer legal system.

The Diverse Landscape of Community-Based Justice Workers

The community-based justice worker model is rapidly expanding within the civil justice ecosystem, showcasing diverse forms and significant impact. Here, we explore its evolution, approaches, and nationwide influence on improving access to justice.

The Role of the Committee of Paralegal Assessors for Oregon Licensed Paralegals

Oregon has introduced a licensing system for legal professionals known as Licensed Paralegals to tackle the access to justice crisis. The Committee of Paralegal Assessors will review applications to ensure they meet the regulatory requirements for admission to the Oregon State Bar. 

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So You Want to Implement an Allied Legal Professional Program, Part 3

For states looking to implement or improve an allied legal professional program, IAALS' new report provides best practices regarding considerations like fee sharing, regulatory requirements, and program costs.

Balancing Consumer Protection and Consumer Access with Alternative Legal Service Providers

Data from current ALP programs suggests that concerns about consumer protection are largely unfounded. Expanding these programs can deliver competent legal help to countless individuals who lack access to traditional legal services.