15th Annual Junior Faculty Federal Courts Workshop

Overview

The University of Kansas School of Law will host the 15th Annual Junior Faculty Federal Courts Workshop on Friday, April 24, 2026. The workshop pairs a senior scholar with a panel of junior scholars presenting works in progress. Each panel will consist of three to four junior scholars, with a senior scholar commenting on the papers and leading a group discussion.

Attendance is open to untenured and recently tenured academics who teach and write in the areas of federal courts, civil rights litigation, civil procedure, constitutional law, and other related topics. The program is also open to scholars who wish to attend, read and comment on papers but not present. There is no registration fee.

The workshop will take place at the University of Kansas School of Law located in Lawrence, Kansas. KU Law will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner for those attending the workshop, but attendees must cover their own travel and lodging costs.

Call for Papers

Those interested in submitting a paper for presentation at the workshop should fill out this form and send an abstract of no more than two pages to Sharon Brett at sharonbrett@ku.edu. Please use the subject line FED COURTS JR SCHOLARS - [Paper Title] - [First and Last Name]. 

Submissions received by January 10, 2026, will receive priority. Authors will be notified by January 30, 2026, if their paper has been selected. We will endeavor to accept as many papers as possible, while ensuring that our senior commentators have no more than three papers to read and comment on for each panel.

Schedule

Thursday, April 23, 2026
Reception Off-site
5-7 pm

Friday, April 24, 2026
Workshop at Green Hall
8:30 Check-in & Breakfast
9-5 Presentations

Group Dinner Off-site
6 pm

Full schedule coming soon. Please check back.

Accommodations

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lawrence Downtown
One Riverfront Plaza, Lawrence, KS 66044 (map and directions)
To book a room, call 785-841-2700
Mention: KU Law
Last day to book is March 25, 2026
Rate: $142/night

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Lawrence Downtown
900 New Hampshire, Lawrence, KS 66044 (map and directions)
To book a room, call 785-842-8800
Mention: KU Law Federal Courts Workshop
Last day to book is March 22, 2026
Rate $129/night