Legal Delivery

After 20 tries, law grad passes the bar but is barred from law practice in Massachusetts

A persistent law graduate who passed the bar exam nearly 30 years after his 1985 graduation won’t be able to join the Massachusetts bar as a result of a decision by the state’s top court.

Apr 26, 2022 3:53 PM CDT

Lawyers should be able to practice law in any state, says group urging ABA model rule change

The ABA should change its model rules to allow licensed lawyers to provide legal services in any state, according to a proposal by a group of more than 400 lawyers and law professors who provide advice on legal ethics matters.

Apr 20, 2022 12:19 PM CDT

Florida Supreme Court rejects bar committee’s reform proposals, asks for alternatives

After rejecting several proposals earlier this month that would have opened up Florida’s legal marketplace to nonlawyer financial interests and practitioners, the Florida Supreme Court has tasked the Florida Bar with coming up with alternative plans to strengthen access to justice.

Mar 22, 2022 8:37 AM CDT

‘Justice Tech’ companies launch new association to advocate for consumers and reforms

A new group called the Justice Technology Association aims to provide regulators with a more well-rounded perspective on embracing innovative approaches to offering legal services and addressing the justice gap.

Feb 24, 2022 8:52 AM CST

How a social justice innovation lab is developing new types of legal services

The Innovation for Justice lab launched at the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law in 2018 with the goal of designing, building and testing new solutions to addressing the justice gap impacting millions of Americans.

Feb 16, 2022 8:36 AM CST

Lawyer who helped establish legal services for the poor dies at 86

Edgar Cahn, a lawyer who helped establish the program that would become known as the Legal Services Corp., has died at age 86.

Feb 1, 2022 11:53 AM CST

Nonlawyer-owned alternative legal services provider receives Arizona’s approval to integrate with a law firm

Elevate, a nonlawyer-owned alternative legal services provider, has been approved to operate in Arizona in tandem with an integrated law firm, the company announced Thursday.

Jan 14, 2022 11:25 AM CST

How a law prof is training paraprofessionals to represent immigrants in legal proceedings

Law prof Michele Pistone says there aren’t enough immigration lawyers and pro bono attorneys to meet the demand of immigrants seeking legal assistance. This justice gap is a primary reason that she created a program to train paraprofessionals.

Nov 17, 2021 9:11 AM CST

Will California be the next state to permit nonlawyer paraprofessionals?

The State Bar of California is considering a proposal to have the Golden State join a small number of other jurisdictions in permitting nonlawyer paraprofessionals to provide legal advice and undertake other tasks typically handled by attorneys.

Nov 8, 2021 9:04 AM CST

Pioneering Utah justice will join BigLaw firm opening Salt Lake City office

Utah Supreme Court Justice Constandinos “Deno” Himonas, one of the major driving forces behind his state’s groundbreaking reforms opening up the legal marketplace to nontraditional providers, recently announced that he will be retiring from the bench to join a major law firm opening an office in the state’s capital.

Nov 3, 2021 10:56 AM CDT

Consumers increasingly desire remote legal services, Clio CEO says

When cloud-based company Clio surveyed American consumers in 2018, 23% expressed an openness to working with a lawyer remotely.

Oct 26, 2021 2:34 PM CDT

Top state court rules against public defender who sued ACLU for calling him ‘crooked’

A public defender is a public official who must prove actual malice in his defamation lawsuit against the American Civil Liberties Union for a blog post calling him “crooked,” the Georgia Supreme Court has ruled.

Oct 20, 2021 12:51 PM CDT

ABA Giving Day is an opportunity ‘to help ensure a just society,’ says ABA president

For the second year, the ABA is asking members to join in its efforts to address significant issues that affect their communities.

Oct 19, 2021 2:29 PM CDT

Weekly Briefs: Britney Spears’ father suspended as conservator; would-be Reagan assassin will be freed of limits

Britney Spears’ father is suspended as conservator Judge Brenda Penny of Los Angeles on Wednesday suspended Britney Spears’ father, Jamie Spears, from his position as conservator for the pop singer. Penny appointed a California accountant temporarily to the position. A lawyer for Britney Spears wants the court to investigate claims…

Oct 1, 2021 12:09 PM CDT

House’s continuing resolution would give $40M in disaster aid to Legal Services Corp.

A continuing resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday would give $40 million in disaster aid to the Legal Services Corp. to support legal aid groups helping low-income Americans affected by extreme weather events.

Sep 23, 2021 12:51 PM CDT