Home - Civil Justice Research Initiative

Too often, the courthouse doors are closed to those who have suffered serious injuries and violations of their rights. By emphasizing rigorous scholarship and thorough research, the Civil Justice Research Initiative can make a real difference in access to the American justice system.
Dean Erwin ChemerinskyUC Berkeley School of Law

Too often, the courthouse doors are closed to those who have suffered serious injuries and violations of their rights. By emphasizing rigorous scholarship and thorough research, the Civil Justice Research Initiative can make a real difference in access to the American justice system.

Dean Erwin Chemerinsky
UC Berkeley School of Law

Dramatic changes to the civil justice system threaten to undermine our rights as citizens. By documenting these changes and exploring their consequences, the Civil Justice Research Initiative will strengthen civil justice in the United States.
Valerie HansProfessor of Law, Cornell Law School

Dramatic changes to the civil justice system threaten to undermine our rights as citizens. By documenting these changes and exploring their consequences, the Civil Justice Research Initiative will strengthen civil justice in the United States.

Valerie Hans
Professor of Law, Cornell Law School

The fair and impartial administration of justice is the bedrock of our democracy. Without access to courts, the fundamental rights afforded by our Constitution may be stripped away. The work of CJRI will provide judges, lawyers and policymakers a sound basis for decision-making.
Roman M. Silberfeld National Trial Chair, Robins Kaplan LLP

The fair and impartial administration of justice is the bedrock of our democracy. Without access to courts, the fundamental rights afforded by our Constitution may be stripped away. The work of CJRI will provide judges, lawyers and policymakers a sound basis for decision-making.

Roman M. Silberfeld
National Trial Chair, Robins Kaplan LLP

The Civil Justice Research
Initiative explores, through interdisciplinary, academically-based
and independent research, how the civil justice system can be made
more available to everyone seeking relief.

Rank of the united States among 113 countries in “accessibility and affordability of civil justice.”

100Million+

Number of people in the United States living with civil justice problems, many involving basic human needs like housing, health care and custody of their children.

The percent of the civil legal problems reported by low income Americans for which they received inadequate or no legal help.

American Bar Foundation & CJRI Symposium, Chicago Il, March 7, 2025

The Plaintiff-Side Litigation: Scholars and Practitioners in Dialogue – ABF

The Plaintiff-Side Litigation Symposium, co-hosted by the American Bar Foundation (ABF) and the UC Berkeley Civil Justice Research Initiative (CJRI), will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025, in Chicago, IL. This event brings together legal scholars and practitioners to explore the history, impact, and future of plaintiff-side litigation. Attendees will engage in discussions on the role of plaintiff-side practice in advancing civil justice. The symposium is open to the public, but registration is required. A networking reception will follow, sponsored by Gibbs Mura.

EVENTS

Mass Torts and Bankruptcy: Expert Insights on Friday, February 28, 2025, 1 p.m. Pacific Time (webinar)

The Conversations on Civil Justice event, happening on February 28, 2025, at 1 p.m. PT, will explore the intersection of mass torts and bankruptcy. Featuring Hon. William J. Lafferty III (Bankruptcy Judge, Northern District of California), Professor Andrew Bradt (Berkeley Law), and Leslie A. Brueckner (Singleton Schreiber), the discussion will address why defendants in mass tort cases increasingly turn to bankruptcy, the controversies surrounding these cases, and their impact on plaintiffs. Hosted by CJRI’s Richard Jolly, this insightful conversation is supported by AAJ’s Robert L. Habush Endowment. Register now to gain expert perspectives on this evolving legal landscape.