IJ’s Annual Law Student Conference, 2026

The Institute for Justice (IJ) is pleased to offer our acclaimed Law Student Conference again this year. The Law Student Conference is an annual tradition of nearly 35 years, drawing law students from across the country (as well as our summer Dave Kennedy Fellows) to our headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, for an immersive weekend experience to learn about IJ and public interest law.

This event teaches what law school often does not–how to find and litigate public interest cases in the real world. We'll share our public interest strategies, our current areas of litigation, and how we put together a case from start to finish. And most importantly, our clients will share their stories and explain what it means to team up with IJ to fight against government abuse.

This year's Deep Dive session will explore how the Institute for Justice builds, selects, and litigates cases before the Supreme Court, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the strategy, preparation, and real-world stakes that shape constitutional advocacy at the nation's highest court. Throughout the two-day conference, IJ attorneys will guide you through informative and interactive sessions on public interest law versus private practice, litigation strategies, how to develop a case from beginning to end, and more.

Our Law Student Conference is open to law students across the country, but we know not everyone will be a walk or a Metro ride away from our office in Arlington, Virginia. So, we are pleased to cover travel and lodging expenses for students that aren't local. Come spend your weekend with us!