IAALS and the Berkeley Judicial Institute are launching a dynamic webinar series designed to equip judges with the practical tools and insights needed to drive meaningful innovation in the courts. This series will go beyond theory and dive deep into strategies that will empower judges to navigate change, build trust, and foster a more accessible justice system for all. Join us for one, two, or all six webinars. Registration is free and open to all judges seeking to become catalysts for positive change in the legal system.
Click here to register today and for full series details, including more information on each of the webinars. Please share with judicial colleagues.
Webinar Dates:
- June 4, 2025 – Cultivating Public Trust through Innovation
- August 6, 2025 – Finding Your Center: Mindfulness for Innovative Leaders
- November 12, 2025 – Overcoming Resistance and Building Buy-In
- February 11, 2026 – Staying the Course: Strategies for Sustaining Change
- May 13, 2026 – Collaborative Leadership: Building Coalitions for Innovation
- August 12, 2026 – Measuring What Matters: Evaluating the Impact of Innovations
Webinars
Session 1: Cultivating Public Trust through Innovation
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. (PT) | Zoom
In a time of evolving public perceptions, how can judicial innovation strengthen trust in the courts? This session will explore tangible ways judges can lead change that fosters greater public confidence in our legal system. Gain actionable strategies from experienced judicial leaders and innovators on how to build a more equitable and accessible justice system for all.
Speakers:
- Judge Paul Grimm (Ret.), David F. Levi Professor of the Practice of Law and Director, Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke Law School
- Brittany Kauffman, CEO, IAALS
- Judge Scott Schlegel, Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal
- Judge Erica Yew, Santa Clara County Superior Court
Session 2: Finding Your Center: Mindfulness for Innovative Leaders
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. (PT) | Zoom
Change is demanding, and judicial leaders need tools to navigate these demands while prioritizing their well-being. This session will provide practical mindfulness techniques and strategies specifically tailored for judicial leaders. Learn to balance the demands of innovation with essential self-care practices, recognize the signs of burnout, and cultivate sustained motivation to drive long-term progress.
Speakers:
- Judge Jeremy Fogel (Ret.), Executive Director, Berkeley Judicial Institute
- Dr. Dacher Keltner, Professor of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley and Director, Greater Good Science Center
Session 3: Overcoming Resistance and Building Buy-In
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. (PT) | Zoom
Innovation often meets resistance. Learn how to navigate it effectively and build powerful support for change. This session will delve into the root causes of resistance and equip you with practical tools to proactively address it. Discover strategies for engaging stakeholders, communicating your vision, and fostering a collaborative culture that champions successful innovation initiatives.
Speakers:
- Judge Jennifer D. Bailey (Ret.), Bailey Judicial Solutions
- Justice Diana Hagen, Utah Supreme Court
- Brittany Kauffman, CEO, IAALS
Session 4: Staying the Course: Strategies for Sustaining Change
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. (PT) | Zoom
Innovation is a long game. How do you ensure lasting impact and maintain momentum in the face of challenges? This session will provide concrete strategies for overcoming obstacles and opposition, maintaining commitment, and celebrating milestones to ensure the long-term success of your innovation efforts.
Speaker:
- Dr. Lana Cook, Associate Director, MIT Systems Awareness Lab
Session 5: Collaborative Leadership: Building Coalitions for Innovation
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. (PT) | Zoom
Coalitions are essential to real change. Discover how to build powerful partnerships to drive judicial innovation. This session will feature experienced judicial leaders who have successfully collaborated with other branches of government, community organizations, and non-profit groups. Gain invaluable insights into best practices for building strong relationships, navigating complexities, and achieving shared goals for a more innovative justice system.
Speakers:
- Chief Judge Susan Blanco, 8th Judicial District of Colorado
- Judge Maritza Dominguez Braswell, Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court of the District of Colorado
- Judge Samuel Thumma, Arizona Court of Appeals
- Judge Bernice Donald (Ret.), United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Session 6: Measuring What Matters: Evaluating the Impact of Innovations
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. (PT) | Zoom
How do you know if your innovations are truly making a difference? This session will equip you with practical strategies for taking a data-driven approach to evaluating the impact of your initiatives. Learn how to identify key performance indicators, effectively collect and analyze relevant data, and use those insights to inform future decisions and demonstrate the value of your innovative work.
Speakers:
- Judge Kevin Burke, Senior Judge, Minnesota District Courts
-
Margaret Hagan, Executive Director, Legal Design Lab, Stanford Law School
- Victor Quintanilla, Professor of Law and Val Nolan Faculty Fellow, Affiliated Faculty, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Schmidt Futures Innovation Fellow, Maurer School of Law, Indiana University Bloomington
- Beth Wiggins, Director of Research Division, Federal Judicial Center