North Carolina
Justice for All Project
Regulatory Reform Initiatives Across the U.S.
As states explore ways to improve access to justice, a growing number of organizations are leading efforts to reimagine how legal services are regulated and delivered. The North Carolina Justice for All Project (JFAP) is committed to tracking and supporting these initiatives, ensuring that reforms prioritize scalability, inclusivity, and meaningful access for those most in need.
Below, you will find information on two key organizations working to advance regulatory reform: the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System (IAALS) and Frontline Justice. Click the links below to learn more about their work and how it is shaping the future of legal services.
Frontline Justice is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to justice through a community-based approach. Instead of relying solely on licensed paraprofessionals, Frontline Justice empowers Community Justice Workers (CJWs)—trained, non-lawyer advocates who provide legal assistance in trusted spaces such as libraries, faith-based organizations, and community centers. These CJWs help individuals understand their rights, complete legal forms, and navigate the civil justice system, filling critical gaps in legal services.
Objectives:
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Develop a scalable model for Community Justice Workers, equipping trusted non-lawyer advocates to provide legal assistance where it is needed most.
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Partner with policymakers, legal aid organizations, and community groups to build frameworks that integrate CJWs into the justice system.
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Complement existing legal aid services by facilitating the development of front-line legal support to individuals facing civil legal challenges.
Alicia Mitchell-Mercer, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Frontline Justice, helps shape and implement innovative strategies that support the community justice worker model. Additionally, S.M. Kernodle-Hodges, Executive Director of JFAP, serves on the National Taskforce on Community Justice Workers as a member of the Design Advisory Council, contributing to the development of a structured and scalable framework for justice workers across the country.
To learn more about Frontline Justice’s approach to regulatory reform, visit their website:
The Allied Legal Professionals Project, spearheaded by the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System (IAALS), is a nationwide effort focused on standardizing and expanding programs that allow licensed legal paraprofessionals to provide critical legal services. These professionals help bridge the access to justice gap by offering limited-scope assistance in areas such as family law, housing, and consumer protection. IAALS’ work ensures that states implementing these programs do so effectively while maintaining consumer protection.
Objectives:
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Conduct in-depth research on existing and proposed legal paraprofessional programs in the U.S. and internationally, analyzing their effectiveness and challenges.
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Develop a nationwide framework for Allied Legal Professionals, providing states with a research-backed model for implementation.
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Support policymakers and stakeholders in designing licensing systems that expand access to justice while maintaining professional and ethical standards.
The North Carolina Justice for All Project (JFAP) has been actively involved with IAALS, monitoring regulatory reforms across the country. Alicia Mitchell-Mercer, JFAP co-founder, has participated in IAALS convenings and contributed to its publications on licensing Allied Legal Professionals—also known as licensed paraprofessionals or licensed legal practitioners.
To learn more about IAALS’ work on regulatory reform, visit their website:
IAALS – Allied Legal Professionals Project
The North Carolina Justice for All Project (JFAP) is committed to advancing access to justice by advocating for meaningful regulatory reform. As states across the country explore changes to the regulation of legal services, JFAP has actively participated in public comment periods to ensure that proposed reforms are inclusive, scalable, and responsive to the needs of both low-income and middle-income individuals.
View the public comments JFAP has submitted in response to various state regulatory reform proposals