Annual Conference on Legal Issues in Social Entrepreneurship and Impact Investing 2026

The Annual Conference on Legal Issues in Social Entrepreneurship and Impact Investing – in the US and Beyond is a premier event co-organized by the Grunin Center for Law and Social Entrepreneurship and the Impact Investing Legal Working Group. Scheduled for June 1–3, 2026, at NYU School of Law's Vanderbilt Hall in New York City, this conference convenes over 300 students, lawyers, academics, and stakeholders from around the world to explore critical legal, ethical, and social themes in social entrepreneurship and impact investing.

The 2026 conference will focus on four key themes: "Meeting the Moment: Headwinds and Opportunities for Achieving Mission," addressing current challenges and opportunities in the sector; "Structuring Capital for Impact: Financing Innovation and Scale," examining governance structures and legal mechanisms for mobilizing capital; "Rethinking Ownership: Collective Control of Assets for Social Impact," exploring models of collective ownership; and "Building Career and Community," dedicated to the professional development and well-being of practitioners and scholars in the field.

Attendees can expect a comprehensive program featuring learning sessions, networking opportunities, and celebrations of legal professionals advancing social entrepreneurship and impact investing. The conference will also host the Grunin Prize for Law and Social Entrepreneurship ceremony, recognizing innovative legal contributions to the field.

This conference is ideal for students, legal practitioners, academics, and other stakeholders interested in the intersection of law, social entrepreneurship, and impact investing. It offers a unique platform to engage with thought leaders, gain insights into emerging trends, and contribute to the advancement of these dynamic fields.