Reflections on the International Access to Justice Forum 2025 in New York
“The law belongs to the people” – a simple idea, and one that resonated with delegates throughout September’s International Access to Justice Forum in New York City. With Australia hosting next year in Melbourne, it’s a timely reminder of why access to justice starts with community empowerment.
Hosting over 35 panels of scholars, researchers, jurists, practitioners, reformers, court and dispute resolution experts from across the globe, this year’s conference offered valuable insights into new research, theory, and policy developments in the global movement for civil justice.
A highlight was the final plenary by Rebecca Sandefur and Vivek Maru, who explored legal empowerment and democracy, emphasising how communities can know, use, and shape the law that affects them.
We valued the chance to connect with our international colleagues on legal needs measurement, sharing approaches and learning from their experiences while discussing how Australia’s work continues to lead in this space.
The Law and Justice Foundation of NSW was represented on two panels:
- Dr Kate Davies’ presentation examined barriers and opportunities for improving access to justice for people making NDIS appeals, alongside presentations from Matthew Keeley (Youth Law Australia) on providing access to legal information and support for young people and Jean de Dieu Sikubwabo (international legal expert) on transitional justice for victims of conflict-related sexual violence.
- Dr Kerryn Butler’s presented how findings from a user-centred study on the experience of tenancy disputes contribute to broader debates about tribunal design and legal empowerment alongside panellists Samira Nazem (National Center for State Courts, USA) presenting on Eviction Diversion Initiates and Aissatou Barry (Brooklyn Law School) who explored scholarly interest in housing court reform.
Many of these discussions reinforced that justice systems work best when people have ownership over the law and its processes. As we look toward Melbourne next year, these insights will help guide conversations and action on access to justice in Australia.
Register your interest for the International Access to Justice Forum 2026 in Melbourne, Australia at Victoria Law Foundation.
By Dr Kate Davies and Dr Kerryn Butler