Join guest host Linda Odermott as she interviews Michael Houlberg, Director of Special Projects at the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System (IAALS).
IAALS is a national, independent research organization that innovates and advances solutions that make our justice system more just. They believe that justice and access to the justice system can be a reality for everyone.
This episode highlights IAALS’ forward-thinking approach to addressing the access to justice crisis through innovative projects such as regulatory reform initiatives, community justice worker programs, and alternative licensed professional programs.
To learn more about IAALS and their projects: https://iaals.du.edu/
To see the IAALS Knowledge Center mentioned in the podcast interview (this is the comprehensive map of the ongoing work and ALP developments in every state): IAALS Knowledge Center – https://iaals.du.edu/projects/allied-legal-professionals/knowledge-center
About the Guest
Michael Houlberg is the Director of Special Projects at the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System (IAALS), focusing on family justice and regulatory reform work, and promoting greater accessibility, efficiency, and fairness to everyone involved in the legal system.
Michael graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2015. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brigham Young University and is a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.
Key Takeaways
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IAALS takes a research-based approach, starting with empirical studies, gathering diverse experts, developing solutions and models, and working with states and courts to implement changes.
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IAALS has focused on regulatory reform to address the growing access to justice crisis, particularly for low- and middle-income Americans who cannot afford legal representation.
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One of the projects that Michael heads up is the Allied Legal Professionals (ALP) programs, that allows trained legal professionals (such as paralegals) to represent clients in limited practice areas.
Meet the Podcast Guest Host
Linda Odermott, RP and Oregon Certified Paralegal has extensive experience working on access to justice initiatives and regulation reforms, particularly in licensed paralegal programs, including:
- OSB (Oregon State Bar) Legal Technician Task Force (2013 – 2015)
- OSB Licensing Paraprofessionals Working Group, Futures Task Force, and Regulation Committee (2016 – 2018)
- Chair of the Admissions & Education Workgroup of the OSB Paraprofessional Licensing Implementation Committee
- Member of OSB Committee of Paralegal Assessors
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