April 16, 2026 Annual IPA, IBA and ISBA Joint Meeting

Join Us for an Insightful Event on the Paralegal Profession!

Date: April 16, 2026    Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Indiana State Bar Association
201 N. Illinois St., Suite 1225 Indianapolis, IN 46204

Hosted by: Indiana Paralegal Association, Paralegal Members of the Indianapolis Bar Association, and Affiliate Members of the Indiana State Bar Association

Moving the Conversation Home: Indiana’s Exploration of ALPs

Each year, the Indiana Paralegal Association hosts its annual Joint Paralegal Meeting in collaboration with the Indianapolis Bar Association and the Indiana State Bar Association, bringing together paralegals from across Indiana for timely, profession-focused discussion.

In 2025, Michael Houlberg, Director of Special Projects at IAALS, joined us as we began an important conversation about the evolving role of paralegals and the Allied Legal Professionals (ALPs) programs launched across the United States. That program explored national approaches to regulation, access to justice concerns, and included firsthand experiences from Nitasha Miller, a former paralegal who is now an Arizona Legal Paraprofessional (LP), licensed to represent clients in family law matters and limited jurisdiction criminal defense. The discussion generated strong interest and thoughtful questions from attendees. 

This year’s meeting continues that conversation — bringing it closer to home.

The 2026 Joint Paralegal Meeting will focus on the work underway in Indiana to explore the development of an Allied Legal Professionals program and other pilot initiatives designed to respond to the state’s attorney shortage. Attendees will hear directly from leadership within the Indiana Supreme Court’s Office of Judicial Administration about innovative efforts, research, and planning related to expanding access to justice in our state.

About Emerging Pathways Pilot Programs in Civil and Family Cases

As Indiana continues exploring new approaches to improve access to justice, the emerging pathways of pilot programs in civil and family cases reflect a focused effort to modernize how litigants move through the courts. In line with recommendations from the task forces on Family Law and Civil Litigation, these pilots are designed to streamline case progression and introduce clearer triage and service pathways.

About the Proposed Allied Legal Professionals Pilot Program

As outlined in research conducted for the Indiana Supreme Court’s Innovation Committee, the proposed ALP pilot program is designed to allow qualified non-attorneys to provide legal advice or representation in specific practice areas and under defined circumstances, particularly in communities identified as “legal deserts” where attorney availability is limited. For the purposes of the pilot, participation is limited to nonprofit and government entities. The concept reflects regulatory reforms seen in other states where individuals with appropriate training can fill gaps in legal service delivery while still operating under attorney supervision in certain settings.

This meeting will unpack key parameters in the proposed pilot ALP program in Indiana and explore how an ALP program could integrate within Indiana’s legal ecosystem.

This program is intended to be informational and forward-looking. The ALP initiative discussed is a proposed pilot program of the Innovation Committee and has not yet been approved by the Indiana Supreme Court but represents an important step in addressing Indiana’s lawyer shortage and access to justice challenges.

Speakers:

• Bob Rath, Chief Innovation Officer, Indiana Supreme Court – Office of Judicial Administration
• Leslie Dunn, Director, Children & Families Division, Indiana Supreme Court – Office of Court Services
• Rob R. Love, Sr., J.D., Program Manager, Allied Legal Professionals, Indiana Supreme Court – Office of Judicial Administration

Whether you attended last year’s program or are new to the conversation, this year’s meeting offers a valuable opportunity to understand how national ideas discussed in 2025 are informing real, ongoing work in Indiana — and how paralegals fit into the future of legal services.

IPA, ISBA, IBA Member Price: $15.00 (includes lunch)

Non-Member Price: $25.00 (includes lunch)

Attendance via Zoom, Member or Non-Member Price: $5.00

Upon registering and payment confirmation, you will receive an email with the Zoom link information. 

Please make reservations or cancellations by noon on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.  A full refund will be made if cancellation is received by that date/time. Cancellations after that date/time will still require payment. IPA derives no profit from the cost of the meetings.  IPA cannot guarantee food and/or seating for late reservations.