Currently, 33 states choose at least some
of their judges by
direct election, a process
that has devolved into
a troubling spectacle featuring multi-million dollar campaigns and attack ads. In early December, IAALS and renowned legal system leaders will announce the formation of a new initiative that will accelerate efforts to reform the process for choosing judges in America.
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Civil Justice Reform Surges Across the U.S.
Jurisdictions across the country now have the tools needed to implement innovative pilot projects.
On November 3, IAALS released A Roadmap for Reform: Pilot Project Rules and Civil Caseflow Management Guidelines,
two of its most important publications to date. These reports serve as a guide for courts interested in creating a more affordable, efficient and fair system of justice. A number of jurisdictions are evaluating possible pilot projects, and we expect many more in coming months. The Roadmaps are the culmination of two years of research and collaboration with the American College of Trial Lawyers Task Force on Discovery and Civil Justice. For news coverage click here. Please click here to download your copies.
Transparent Courthouse® Award Winner Honored
New Hampshire Chief Justice John T. Broderick Jr. received a standing ovation from a capacity audience of judges, attorneys and business leaders at the 2009 Transparent Courthouse® Award dinner on October 22. In recognizing Chief Justice Broderick, IAALS Executive Director Rebecca
Love Kourlis stated, “He gets what the
Some of the nation’s most esteemed judges & lawyers share thought-provoking insights about the legal system they love.
problems are; he gets that we must find solutions; and he has the courage and commitment to fight for those solutions.” Attendees were also treated to an inside look at the U.S. Supreme Court by guest speaker Joan Biskupic, USA Today legal affairs correspondent and author. (Pictured: IAALS Executive Director Rebecca Love Kourlis & Chief Justice John T. Broderick Jr.)
IAALS Leadership Series Kicks Off with Lively E-discovery Debate
On September 9th, a crowd of veteran attorneys, executives and judges participated in the debate of an issue that some believe has had the greatest impact on the practice of law in a generation—e-discovery. Respected attorneys, one representing plaintiffs and the other defendants, took off the gloves to grapple with the escalating costs associated with discovery in a 21st century world. They were also joined by the former e-discovery counsel to Qwest Communications and Rebecca Love Kourlis.
