Yale-Toronto-Columbia Private Law Theory Discussion Group — Annual Workshop

The Private Law Theory Discussion Group is a collaboration between the Center for Private Law at Yale Law School, the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, and the Columbia Law School. The Workshop provides a forum for future private law scholars to present in-progress work in private law theory. We adopt a broad conception of private law and theory, embracing doctrinal issues with a theoretical overlay, as well as more abstract, foundational questions in private law (such as torts, contracts, restitution/unjust enrichment, property, remedy, equity). Previous Discussion Group speakers have included faculty from the law schools at Cambridge, Columbia, Harvard, Fordham, Notre Dame, Oxford, Texas, Toronto, Western, and Yale. 

In addition to a keynote presentation, this year’s iteration will feature a newfound emphasis on the work of junior scholars and students working in private law theory, with an eye to providing them a platform and feedback from leading experts in the field. While the Discussion Group is no longer soliciting submissions from junior scholars and students, you may still access the call for papers. Papers selected for presentation will be followed by a comment from a senior scholar, after which there will be a Q&A with the audience. 

This year’s workshop will be held in a hybrid format (Zoom and in-person options in New Haven, Toronto, and N.Y.C. for both attendees and presenters). 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 do so by Zoom. More information on room locations and Zoom details forthcoming. 

Draft papers will be circulated at least two weeks in advance of the Workshop. The 2026 keynote speaker will be announced closer to the date of the event, alongside the titles of presentations by the selected junior scholars.

Please register to attend the workshop, place your lunch order (for in-person attendees), and receive draft papers.

For further information and/or to be added to the Discussion Group's mailing list, please email the Private Law Theory email to contact co-convenors Amit Singh (Yale), Stanley Zhang (Toronto), and Sania Anwar (Columbia).