Conference on Empirical Legal Studies (CELS) 2026

The Conference on Empirical Legal Studies (CELS) is an annual interdisciplinary gathering that brings together scholars from law, economics, political science, psychology, and other fields to discuss empirical research on law and legal institutions. The 20th Annual CELS will be hosted by Northwestern Pritzker School of Law on October 2-3, 2026, in collaboration with the Society for Empirical Legal Studies.

The conference will feature presentations and discussions on a wide range of topics, including administrative law, AI and technology, antitrust, corporate finance, civil procedure, constitutional law, contracts, corporate law, courts and judging, criminal law, international law, labor and employment, legal education, property law, psychology and law, tax, torts, and health law. Scholars are invited to submit papers in these areas by June 12, 2026.

In addition to paper presentations, CELS 2026 will offer networking opportunities, panel discussions, and keynote addresses from leading experts in empirical legal studies. Attendees will have the chance to engage with peers, share research findings, and explore collaborative opportunities.

CELS is ideal for academics, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in the empirical analysis of legal issues. The conference provides a platform to stay updated on the latest research, methodologies, and trends in empirical legal studies, fostering a deeper understanding of how empirical data can inform legal practice and policy.