At IAALS, we measure impact not just by what we produce, but by how our ideas take root—informing national conversations, inspiring new models, and reshaping the justice system itself. Our work is grounded in research, but it is powered by innovation, one of our core values and a key force that drives change from vision to reality.
As we head into the fall, we are particularly focused across our work on impact. This month, we see that impact in action—from important national recommendations shaped by IAALS’ research, to the leaders we celebrate and lift up through our Legal Visionary Award. It has been five years since we created the Legal Visionary Award in 2020 to honor Alli Gerkman, and it has been our honor to highlight visionaries who have had their own incredible impact on our justice system.
Every year the nominations are an incredible testament to the work being done around the country by inspirational leaders. It is one of the highlights of my year to sit down and read through the nominations. They inspire us anew to continue this work and to innovate boldly, lead courageously, and keep pushing boundaries to build a justice system that not only meets today’s needs but is ready for the challenges of tomorrow.
Brittany Kauffman, CEO September 2025
Updates from IAALS
Research to Reform—IAALS Sets the Standard in CLEAR’s National Blueprint for Change:The Committee on Legal Education and Admissions Reform (CLEAR) recently released a high-profile report exploring why the legal profession is struggling to meet the needs of the majority of Americans. In this report, CLEAR points to multiple IAALS projects to support their recommendations, underscoring IAALS’ role in shaping national reform.
Nomination Window Opens to Award the 2026 Legal Visionary: The IAALS Alli Gerkman Legal Visionary Award recognizes innovators who have made significant impacts early in their legal careers toward making the American legal system work better for everyone. The nomination window for the 2026 award is now open.
Be sure to read all of the news from IAALS on our blog.
This series is open to all judges seeking to become catalysts for positive change in the legal system. Click here for more details on the entire series, each individual webinar, and to register for any/all today!
Did you miss our recent webinar series, AI, Access to Justice, & UPL: Shaping the Future of Legal Services?
From risks to opportunities, and governance to guardrails, this series convened cross-disciplinary experts—like Dr. Sonja Ebron, CEO and co-founder of Courtroom5, quoted below—to chart a path that safeguards the public while fueling innovation. Watch the replays now.
Upcoming Events, External Speaking Engagements, and Attendance :
Sept. 16: IAALS Lawyers Council Meeting (Denver)
Sept. 26: myLawCLE (virtual—Bednarz)
Sept. 26-27: International Access to Justice Forum (New York City—Cornett, Byram)
Oct. 7: Florida International University (virtual—Bednarz)
Oct. 16-17: IAALS Board of Advisors Meeting (Denver)
Oct. 14: Giving Voice to the Imperative of Civil Justice: An IAALS Convening (Atlanta—Kauffman, Byram)
IAALS in the News
Aug. 1: “IAALS Charts a Bold Path for AI in Legal Services Regulation” in State Justice Institute
Aug. 1: “IAALS Publishes Report on AI for Consumer-Facing Legal Services” in Indisputably
