*Note that this event is taking place simultaneously in New Haven\, Toronto\, New York City\, and on Zoom.
\nThe Yale-Toronto-Columbia Private Law Theory Discussion Group invites submissions for its seventh annual workshop\, which will be held on Thursday\, March 25\, 2027\, from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm ET in a hybrid format.
\nAbout the Discussion Group
\nThe Yale-Toronto-Columbia Private Law Theory Discussion Group is a student-led and faculty-supported collaboration between the Yale Law School\, the University of Toronto&rsquo\;s Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law\, and Columbia Law School. The Workshop provides a forum to discuss in-progress research in private law theory authored by the next generation of private law scholars. We adopt a broad conception of private law&mdash\;including torts\, contracts\, property\, restitution/unjust enrichment\, equity\, remedies\, corporations\, family law\, employment law\, and more&mdash\;and of private law theory. The Discussion Group embraces scholarship focusing on doctrinal issues with a theoretical overlay\, as well as more abstract\, foundational questions concerning private law. We also welcome research that examines the intersection of private law with broader themes\, such as justice\, the environment\, and technology. The Discussion Group further invites submissions that draw on insights from philosophy\, economics\, history\, sociology\, anthropology\, critical studies\, and other methodologies.
\nMore information about the Discussion Group is available on our website at this link: https://www.privatelawtheory.com/about.
\nAnnual Junior Scholars Workshop
\nThis year&rsquo\;s workshop will continue the Discussion Group&rsquo\;s recent emphasis on the work of junior scholars working in private law theory\, with an eye to providing them a platform and an opportunity to receive feedback from experts in the field. Authors will receive commentary from a pair of private law scholars and benefit from the opportunity to engage with an international audience via Q&\;A.
\nThe 2027 workshop will also feature a keynote. The keynote speaker will be announced in the new year.
\nYou can see information about our past workshops at this link: \;https://www.privatelawtheory.com/workshops-and-call-for-papers.
\nEligibility
\nWe welcome submissions of unpublished papers or works in progress. In keeping with the Discussion Group&rsquo\;s aim of providing valuable feedback to authors\, a strong preference will be given to drafts that are works in progress\, rather than accepted pieces undergoing late-stage edits. Submissions should be suitable for pre-circulation and discussion among scholars and students with interests in private law and legal theory.
\nThe Discussion Group showcases the best work by the next generation of private law scholars. We invite submissions from junior scholars (defined to include pre-tenure faculty\, postdoctoral and other fellows\, graduate students\, and J.D./LL.B. students). Submissions from J.D./LL.B. students\, fellows\, and graduate students in law\, philosophy\, economics\, history\, political science\, and other cognate disciplines are particularly welcome (e.g.\, candidates for B.C.L.\, M.Jur.\, M.Phil.\, M.S.L.\, LL.M.\, S.J.D./J.S.D.\, Ph.D.\, and DPhil degrees). This includes recent graduates of these programs who may currently be in private practice\, public service\, or completing judicial clerkships.
\nIf you have another position or status that you believe qualifies you as a junior scholar\, please write to privatelawtheory@yale.edu to confirm your eligibility before submitting.
\nSubmission Guidelines
\nPlease use the submission form at the following link to upload your paper and provide other relevant details: \;https://forms.gle/74od9Xh3ZbMHDLc56. Submissions must be made by Friday\, October 30\, 2026\, at 11:59 pm ET. Draft papers should be between 8\,000 and 20\,000 words\, including footnotes\, and should contain an Abstract.
\nThe Discussion Group reviews submissions blind. Accordingly\, please ensure your manuscript itself contains no identifying information\, including in the document&rsquo\;s metadata. Draft papers will be reviewed by the Discussion Group&rsquo\;s team of faculty advisors and co-convenors. Authors can expect to receive decisions on their submissions by mid to late December 2026.
\nIn-Person and Zoom Options for Presentations
\nThis year&rsquo\;s event will once again be held in a hybrid format\, with Zoom and in-person options for both attendees and presenters. Attendees and presenters in New Haven\, Toronto\, and New York City are welcome to join us in the designated rooms at Yale Law School\, the University of Toronto Faculty of Law\, or Columbia Law School\, respectively. Lunch will be served\, and coffee and snacks will be available during short breaks throughout the event. We welcome those unable to join us in person to join us via Zoom. More information on room locations and Zoom details will be forthcoming.
\nContact and Mailing List
\nFor further information\, please contact the co-convenors at privatelawtheory@yale.edu. If you wish to be added to the Discussion Group&rsquo\;s mailing list (where we distribute periodic updates)\, you may do so using this form: \;https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRk5IeE0Vy8iauBIZxFfUcdM4qi29apBnvbUKIgmhikC8Cgw/viewform.
ORGANIZER;CN=Faisal Khalil Bhabha;CN=Amitpal Singh: METHOD:PUBLISH END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR