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May 8 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EDT

Emerging Insights from Access to Justice Research

Translating Ideas into Action
Join the ABF at Wayne State University for an opportunity to critically examine how empirical research might provide answers to the access to civil justice crisis.
Hybrid: Virtual/In-Person (McGregor Memorial Conference Center, Wayne State University)

The United States faces an access to civil justice crisis of extraordinary scale. According to the latest Legal Services Corporation Justice Gap Report, 92% of low-income Americans with civil needs cannot find adequate help to resolve their civil legal problems. Hosted by the American Bar Foundation’s Access to Justice Research Initiative and Wayne State University Law School, this conference offers a unique opportunity for access to justice researchers, policy makers, and practitioners to critically examine how empirical research and evidence might provide answers.

There is no cost to attend this conference, but registration is required. Space is limited. 

Event Schedule:

Welcome and Opening Remarks | 9:00 – 9:15 am
Location: McGregor Memorial Conference Center, Room BC

Richard Bierschbach, Dean and John W. Reed Professor of Law, Wayne State University Law School
Rebecca Sandefur, Director and Professor, Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University; Faculty Fellow, American Bar Foundation
Harold D. Pope, American Bar Foundation Board Member and Sustaining Life Fellow

Session 1: Research-Practice Partnerships | 9:15 – 10:45 am
Location: McGregor Memorial Conference Center, Room BC

Margaret Hagan (Stanford University)
Claire Johnson Raba (UIC Law)
Kirsten Matoy Carlson (Wayne State University Law School)
Neel Sukhatme (Georgetown University Law Center)

Respondent: Nikole Nelson (Frontline Justice)
Moderator: Matthew Burnett (American Bar Foundation)

Break | 10:45 – 11:00 am

Session 2: Exploring the Nexus of Civil and Criminal Law | 11:00 – 12:30 pm
Location: McGregor Memorial Conference Center, Room BC

Brittany Friedman (University of Southern California)
Sarah Lageson (Rutgers University)
Karin Martin (University of Washington)
Maureen Waller (Cornell University)

Respondent: Ed Wunch (Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma)
Moderator: Robin Bartram (University of Chicago)

Lunch | 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Location: McGregor Memorial Conference Center, Room BC

Lunchtime remarks by Richard Bierschbach, Dean and John W. Reed Professor of Law, Wayne State University Law School

Session 3: Data for Achieving Better Justice Outcomes | 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Location: McGregor Memorial Conference Center, Room BC

Chiara Galli (University of Chicago)
Rebecca Johnson (Georgetown University)
Amy Widman (Rutgers Law School)

Respondent: Holly Stevens (Legal Services Corporation)
Moderator: Nicole Summers (Georgetown University Law Center)

Break | 3:00 – 3:15 pm

Session 4: Housing and Environmental Justice | 3:15 – 4:45 pm
Location: McGregor Memorial Conference Center, Room BC

Robin Bartram (University of Chicago)
Alyse Bertenthal (Wake Forest Law)
Nicole Summers (Georgetown University Law Center)

Respondent: David Neumeyer (Virginia Legal Aid Society)
Moderator: Rebecca Sandefur (Arizona State University)

Closing Remarks | 4:45 – 5:00 pm
Location: McGregor Memorial Conference Center, Room BC

Reception | 5:00 pm
Location: McGregor Memorial Conference Center, Room FGH