About the Rhode Center

Through a multidisciplinary approach to teaching, research, and policy, the Rhode Center works to make civil justice more equitable, accessible, and transparent and to promote the legal profession’s commitment to the public interest.

The Rhode Center’s current work focuses on:

reforming legal services regulation to increase innovation and access to justice;
understanding and shaping the role of technology in law and lawyering;
protecting consumers and clients in civil litigation; and
building a stronger, more diverse profession.

Our Focus

Access to Justice and Regulatory Reform

The U.S. is in the grips of an access-to-justice crisis among people with civil legal problems. The Center promotes access to justice through policy and system-level reform, as well as designing technology-based and other tools and services to help people access legal assistance.

Law and Lawyering into the Digital Future

A wave of new technologies is transforming the legal system. These developments call for bold and incisive debate about the law, policy, and ethics of technology. We contribute to this conversation, and also work to equip the lawyer leaders of the future with the tools they will need to help society chart a wise, ethical, and humane course.

Protecting Consumers and Clients in Litigation

The civil legal system is experiencing fundamental transformation, new challenges, and immense opportunity. The Rhode Center is dedicated to a rigorous assessment of whether and how the legal system and the actors within it protect clients and consumers, particularly those entangled in complex litigation.

A Stronger, More Diverse Profession

Since its founding, the Rhode Center has worked to build a stronger, more diverse profession. Our work includes research on how law leaders are making progress in this area and how it can enhance the profession as a whole.