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It was great to see many of you at the LSC Innovations in Technology Conference where IAALS and the Duke Center on Law & Tech had the opportunity to discuss clearing a regulatory pathway for responsible technology and AI-powered legal tool builders through UPL non-prosecution policies and other approaches. Soon we will launch a toolkit for leaders who are interested in exploring such approaches in their local jurisdictions. You can track what is happening in the regulating AI space on our website. Over the past two months, we have seen the release of reports from the Virginia State Bar and the New York State Bar Association, the publication of U.S. Justice Work Program Implementation Toolkit and Community Legal Education Methods & Strategies resources from Innovation for Justice, and the release of a Statement of Principles for Civil Legal Services for legal practitioners from NLADA. IAALS also published the third report—Outcomes Evaluation—in our four-part Utah Sandbox Interim Evaluation. Recently, the Supreme Court of North Carolina created the Commission on Practice Innovation that will focus on legal deserts and examine the regulatory framework for paralegals and paraprofessionals, and the District of Columbia Court of Appeals issued an order establishing the framework for a community justice worker program. The Court will continue to evaluate whether to move forward with a Limited License Practitioner program. The Utah Supreme Court Ad Hoc Committee on Regulatory Reform published draft Committee Summaries and Recommendations, and the New York State Bar Association issued Ethics Opinion 1291: Participation in an Alternative Business Structure. Late last week, a bill further restricting law firm ownership and fee sharing was filed with the Illinois General Assembly. Looking ahead, it seems likely that we will see continued expansion of models and providers within the legal service delivery ecosystem through regulatory innovation. Stay tuned for more updates! |
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Recent News & Updates
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Public Comment
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On September 16, 2025, the Supreme Court of Tennessee entered an administrative order establishing its interest in reassessing its approach to regulation of the legal profession to ensure that all Tennesseans have access to affordable quality legal services and is seeking public comment on the following regulatory innovation issues:
Comments should take into consideration the Court’s goals of lowering barriers to entry into the legal profession and ensuring the availability of affordable legal services to Tennesseans, while also upholding the competency of Tennessee’s attorneys and safeguarding the public. The updated deadline for submitting written comments is April 30, 2026. Written comments may be submitted either by email to appellatecourtclerk@tncourts.gov or by mail addressed to: James Hivner, Clerk Re: Regulatory Reform 100 Supreme Court Building 401 7th Avenue North Nashville, TN 37219-1307 Comments should reference the docket number: ADM2025-01403. Please share this information with anyone else you think might be interested! |
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Resources
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Upcoming Events
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From the Sandbox
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| Some highlights from the latest activity report out of Utah's Office of Legal Services Innovation (last updated October 2025): 6 regulated entities (one of these has two subsidiaries) 6 moderate risk 48 applicants since reopening in February 2024 2 applicants recommended for entry since reopening 30 applicants denied entry since reopening 0 applicants on hold 0 new consumer complaints in December |
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| Visit our Knowledge Center to track what's happening around the country and the world when it comes to legal regulation, as well as submit information and sign up for notifications. | |||||
IAALS is a national, independent research organization that innovates and advances solutions that make our civil justice system more just. |
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