ABA National Summit: ‘Programs to Bridge the Gap’

In this series of Legal Talk Network interviews, producer Laurence Colletti and ABA Journal Legal Affairs Writer Victor Li interview Professor Andrew Perlman, Shantelle Argyle, Dwight Smith, Judge Laurie White, Terri Mascherin, Judge Ann Aiken, and Steven Crossland. Together, they discuss the mini-presentations that were part of the ‘Bridging The Gap’ speaking event at the ABA’s National Summit on Innovation in Legal Services.

Tune in to hear how law schools are adjusting their curriculum to meet shifting roles for attorneys, what an innovative law firm is doing to address decreased job openings for lawyers, and why it’s important to hire ex-cons when they are released. In addition, learn how app platforms are reducing repeat criminal offenses while saving taxpayers money and why some paralegals are allowed to practice law in Washington State.

Victor Li is the legal affairs writer for the ABA Journal. Previously, he was a reporter for Law Technology News, The American Lawyer magazine, and Litigation Daily (NYC). A former prosecutor in the Bronx, Victor earned a J.D. from Tulane, a M.S. from Columbia University School of Journalism and a B.A. in history from Amherst.

Professor Andrew Perlman is the professor of law and director of the Institute on Law Practice Technology & Innovation at Suffolk University Boston Law School where he teaches professional responsibility and civil procedure. He is the vice chair of the ABA Commission on the Future of Legal Services and the former chief reporter for the ABA Commission on Ethics 20/20.

Shantelle Argyle started Open Legal Services, Utah’s first and only nonprofit modest means law firm that has the goal of helping people of modest means who are working hard but can be easily crippled by a legal setback.

Dwight Smith is a solo practitioner at the law office of Dwight L. Smith, PLLC. He has chaired numerous committees and commissions for the American Bar Association, including the Standing Committee on Group and Prepaid Legal Services.

Judge Laurie White presides over the Criminal District Court in Orleans Parish where she hears criminal matters. She is the co-founder of the Orleans Re-Entry Court Workforce Development Program, which focuses on getting former inmates back into the workforce and reducing the chances for recidivism.

Terri Mascherin is a partner at Jenner & Block’s Litigation Department and a member of their Complex Commercial Litigation, International Arbitration, and Trademark, Advertising and Unfair Competition practices. She serves the firm as co-chair of the Firm Centennial Planning Committee and as a member of the Diversity and International Committees and the Women’s Forum Steering Committee.

Chief Judge Ann Aiken presides over the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon nominated by President Clinton in 1997 and confirmed by the Senate in 1998.

Steven Crossland has been a practicing attorney for nearly 40 years. He is the former president of the Washington State Bar Association and has been dealing with the unauthorized practice of law and access to justice for 21 years. He is also the recipient of WSBA’s Award of Merit and the current chair for the Limited License Legal Technician Board.