RAND Institute for Civil Justice

Since 1979, the RAND Institute for Civil Justice has been dedicated to making the civil justice system more efficient and more equitable.

Our research is supported by pooled grants from corporations, trade and professional associations, and individuals; by government grants and contacts; and by private foundations. The Institute disseminates its work widely to the legal, business, and research communities, and to the general public.

Recent Events

Exploring Research to Improve Systems and Outcomes

In early April 2024, the RAND Institute for Civil Justice, UCLA School of Law, and the Los Angeles County Superior Court cohosted "Exploring Research to Improve Systems and Outcomes," a conference for judges and high-level court administrators.

Participants included Los Angeles County Superior Court’s presiding judge, assistant presiding judge, executive officer/ clerk of court/jury commissioner, director of research and data management, and more than 20 other judges and one commissioner. The event featured presentations on how researchers use data in various contexts to conduct empirical research and improve justice, and included breakout sessions focused on family law and major civil litigation. The event was part of a broader partnership among the co-hosts involving data-sharing and research.

Access to Justice in California: Challenges and Policy Innovations

In January 2024, the RAND Institute for Civil Justice held a symposium, bringing together panels of experts and practitioners to discuss the challenges and policy innovations in accessing justice in California. The event was held in partnership with Stanford Law School, UCLA School of Law, and Berkeley Law School.

Participants included presiding judges of California county court systems and California courts of appeal, executive officers of county court systems, representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Access to Justice, representatives from the California Department of Justice, CEOs of legal services and legal aid organizations, the executive director of the State Bar of California, representatives from the NAACP, academics, and practitioners. Participants explored unmet legal needs around the country, evaluated policy developments, learned what is working and what isn’t, and unpacked critics’ concerns about loosening regulations around the practice of law.

Explore other past events