Call for Papers

Fifth National People of Color Legal Scholarship Conference (NPOC27)

March 18-21, 2027 | Seattle University School of Law

The Fifth National People of Color Legal Scholarship Conference (#NPOC27) invites proposals from scholars, educators, practitioners, and researchers whose work examines race, law, justice, technology, and innovation through interdisciplinary and intersectional perspectives.

Hosted by Seattle University School of Law, this national conference brings together legal scholars from across the country to share research, foster collaboration, and shape conversations that will influence the future of legal education and scholarship.

• Conference Theme
• Suggested Topics
• Submission Types
• PLEDGE Fellows
• Important Dates
• How to Submit
• Why Present at NPOC27?
• Our Commitment
• Questions?

Conference Theme

Justice by Design: Interdisciplinary and Intersectional Responses to Race, Law, and Innovation

As democracy faces growing challenges both in the United States and globally, legal scholars are increasingly called upon to examine how law can respond to authoritarianism, inequality, and rapidly evolving technologies. NPOC27 seeks scholarship that explores innovative approaches to advancing justice through interdisciplinary research, intersectional analysis, and collaboration across legal and nonlegal fields.

We welcome proposals that challenge conventional thinking, bridge disciplines, and explore how legal scholarship can help design more just institutions and communities.

Suggested Topics

Proposals may address one or more questions such as:

• Race, democracy, and the future of legal institutions
• Artificial intelligence, emerging technology, and communities of color
• Innovation and access to justice
• Interdisciplinary approaches to legal scholarship
• Law and intersectionality
• Justice beyond traditional doctrinal analysis
• Rethinking precedent and legal innovation
• Designing equitable legal systems
• Critical legal theory and social change
• Community-engaged scholarship

These examples are intended to inspire rather than limit submissions. We welcome proposals that broadly interpret the conference theme.

Submission Types

Individual Papers

Submit:

• Paper title
• Abstract (maximum 300 words)

Individual papers will be organized into thematic panels by the conference planning committee.

Panel Proposals

Panel submissions should include:

• Panel title
• 300-word session description
• Confirmed list of speakers
• Preferred format (traditional panel or roundtable)

PLEDGE Fellows

Past and current Professionals in Legal Education Developing Greater Equity (PLEDGE) Fellows are encouraged to submit proposals evaluating efforts to foster inclusive law student success.

Successful proposals should expand upon the fellow's Capstone project through applied or empirical research. Individual and joint submissions are welcome.

Important Dates

How to Submit

Email proposals using the button below or to NPOC27@seattleu.edu. Participants are responsible for conference registration and travel expenses. Invitation letters to support funding requests will be available upon request.

Why Present at NPOC27?

Presenting at the National People of Color Legal Scholarship Conference offers an opportunity to:

• Share new scholarship with a national audience
• Receive feedback from leading legal scholars
• Build interdisciplinary collaborations
• Connect with emerging and established academics
• Strengthen mentorship and professional networks
• Contribute to conversations shaping the future of legal education

Held approximately once every decade, NPOC provides a unique forum for scholarship focused on race, justice, and legal innovation.

Our Commitment

Seattle University School of Law welcomes scholars from every background and perspective. The conference planning committee is committed to creating an environment where diverse experiences, viewpoints, and methodologies enrich scholarly dialogue and advance the pursuit of justice.