“The American Bar Association Commission on the Future of Legal Education today issued a set of principles and recommendations to more closely align legal education and licensure with the objective of better addressing the legal needs of the public and the nation’s access to justice problems. The commission outlined its set of principles in a commentary titled, “Principles for Legal Education and Licensure in the 21st Century.” The commission set forth six “foundational principles” that it believes sets a common consensus for change, and eight “operational principles” as additional guidance on how the foundational principles can be used to guide change and strengthen alignment.  “Through these principles, the ABA Commission on the Future of Legal Education adds an important voice to the conversation about how to more closely align legal education and licensure to the needs of the public and clients,” ABA President Judy Perry Martinez said. “The ABA thanks commission members for their efforts and their fresh and forward-thinking recommendations.”   In the commentary, the commission says “it is vital that all legal professionals and institutions recognize” each of the foundational principles to collectively approach a movement for change. The principles, in part, call for stewardship for future generations; critical inquiry and scholarship; access to affordable and effective legal assistance; service to clients and society; inclusivity that values diverse backgrounds, viewpoints and roles; and adaptability in a rapidly evolving and technology-enabled world…”