The award showcases innovators, risk takers, visionaries, and emerging leaders who bring a unique perspective to the improvement of our justice system.
Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System
The Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System (IAALS) is an organization focused on improving the American legal system to make it more accessible, efficient, and people-centered. It conducts research, develops projects, and publishes resources aimed at reforming civil justice, family justice, the judiciary, legal education, and the legal profession. IAALS emphasizes innovation in court processes, judicial leadership, and legal regulation to better serve the public and adapt to modern challenges. Its work includes promoting judicial performance evaluation, simplifying court procedures, and exploring new pathways for legal licensure. IAALS also convenes leaders and offers practical guidance to foster systemic change in the justice system.
Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System Blogs
Latest from Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System
2025 Impact Recap: Expanding Reach and Forging New Solutions
In 2025, IAALS connected experts and leaders to help build innovative solutions that address the most pressing challenges facing our justice system.
IAALS Launches the Uncomplicated Courts Initiative to Redesign the Justice Journey for All
The Uncomplicated Courts Initiative provides a national blueprint to simplify high-volume court processes, integrate legal help, and build people-centered systems.
Judges Need Strong Communication and Persistence to Lead Innovation
On November 12, IAALS and the Berkeley Judicial Institute (BJI) hosted Overcoming Resistance and Building Buy-In, a webinar designed to equip judicial leaders with practical tools to proactively address the root causes of resistance when trying to innovate. IAALS…
IAALS Announces Recipients of the 18th Annual Rebuilding Justice Award
Honoring five leaders who embody IAALS’ core values in its 20th yearIAALS, the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, announced today the recipients of its 18th Annual Rebuilding Justice Award. In 2026 IAALS will celebrate 20…
Visionary Leadership on the Bench: A Roadmap for Innovation in Our Courts
A Blueprint for Judicial Innovation: New Report Calls on Judges to Lead System Change
Judicial leadership guidance provides practical strategies and resources for court transformationIAALS, the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, and the Berkeley Judicial Institute (BJI)—with support from the State Justice Institute—today released A Blueprint for Judicial Innovation,…
IAALS Brings Research and AI Leadership to International Access to Justice Forum
Elevating Our Impact with New Development Leadership
Philanthropic support enables IAALS to deliver people-centered, practical justice reforms nationwide. To power this ability, we’re welcoming a proven leader to guide our development strategy and deepen our relationships with supporters and donors across the country.At the end of September,…
Introducing the Above the Line Network Hub for Middle-Market Legal Innovators
The Above the Line Network (ATLN) has launched the ATLN Hub, a new website that provides an online home for the growing community of leaders working together to make legal services more affordable for everyday people. The Hub is…

