Stanford Law School Secrecy and Transparency in Civil Litigation Conference

The "Secrecy and Transparency in Civil Litigation" conference is an academic symposium co-hosted by Stanford Law School's Deborah L. Rhode Center on the Legal Profession and The National Civil Justice Institute. Scheduled for May 1-2, 2026, at Stanford Law School, this event will feature the presentation of six original academic papers exploring the balance between confidentiality and openness in civil litigation.

Key topics include the legal, empirical, and normative dimensions of secrecy and transparency within the civil justice system. Discussions will address the implications of sealing court records, granting protective orders, the use of non-disclosure agreements in settlements, and legislative efforts to limit secret settlements. The symposium aims to provide evidence-based insights into how these practices affect accountability, efficiency, and justice outcomes.

The event offers networking opportunities for attorneys, law professors, students, judges, law clerks, and public officials. Attendees can engage with leading scholars and practitioners, participate in panel discussions, and attend presentations of groundbreaking research. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Graduate Palo Alto Hotel for participants.

This symposium is ideal for legal professionals, academics, and policymakers interested in the dynamics of confidentiality and transparency in civil litigation. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of current practices, emerging trends, and the potential impact of transparency reforms on the legal system.