Our events at Caldwell Institute bring together scholars, policymakers, and innovators to explore, discuss, and advance solutions to the most pressing legislative challenges of our time.

Doctoral Fellowship Proposal Writing Bootcamp

About: An intensive two-day bootcamp for current and prospective doctoral fellows. Participants will receive step-by-step guidance on writing dissertation proposals in legislative studies, including literature reviews, methodology design, and funding strategies. Limited to 20 attendees.

When: April 24-25, 2026
Where: Virtual

Roundtable: State-Level Legislative Responses to Housing Crises

Annual Postdoctoral Research Showcase

About: A policy roundtable featuring state senators, housing policy researchers, and urban economists. Topics include rent stabilization models, zoning reform, landlord-tenant laws, and using legislative research to evaluate housing program effectiveness.

When: May 19, 2026
Where: Hybrid (Orange, California + Virtual)

About: Current Caldwell Institute postdoctoral fellows present their completed research on topics such as legislative oversight, regulatory reform, and comparative policy analysis. Each presentation is followed by Q&A with faculty and practitioners. Open to the public.

When: June 15, 2026
Where: Orange, California

Summer Webinar Series: The Legislative Process in Divided Government

About: A three-part webinar (July 8, 15, and 22) examining how legislative research can inform compromise, coalition-building, and oversight when executive and legislative branches are controlled by different parties. Each session includes a case study and interactive discussion.

When: July 8, 15, & 22, 2026 (attend any or all)

Where: Virtual

Winter Workshop: Legislative Data Analysis for Policy Researchers

About: A hands-on, full-day workshop teaching legislative researchers how to use quantitative data analysis tools (R, Python, and Tableau) to evaluate bill outcomes, predict policy impacts, and present findings to congressional staff. No prior coding experience required.

When: February 18, 2026

Where: Hybrid (Orange, California + Virtual)

Symposium: Ethical AI Governance – Balancing Innovation and Accountability

Legal Innovation Summit 2025

About: A multidisciplinary symposium bringing together legal scholars, computer scientists, and state legislators to debate model policies for algorithmic transparency, bias auditing, and public sector AI procurement. Keynote by a former FTC commissioner

When: March 15, 2026

Where: Virtual

About: Explore cutting-edge solutions and innovations in legislative research and policy reform with experts, academics, and policymakers.

When: February 5, 2025

Where: Los Angeles, CA

Past Events

Postdoctoral Fellowship Open House

About: Learn about our Postdoctoral Fellowship program, application process, and meet current fellows.

When: April 10-11, 2025

Where: Virtual

Workshop: Crafting Effective Legislation

Annual Policy Research Conference

About: Explore cutting-edge solutions and innovations in legislative research and policy reform with experts, academics, and policymakers.

When: March 15, 2025

Where: Virtual

About: Join researchers and policymakers for presentations on the latest legislative and policy studies conducted at Caldwell Institute.

When: March 28, 2025

Where: Orange, California

Navigating the Legislative Landscape in the U.S.

About: An in-depth webinar on the complexities of the U.S. legislative system, tailored for international researchers.

When: July 18, 2025

Where: Virtual

Panel Discussion: The Future of AI in Legislative Processes

Undergraduate Research Symposium

About: A discussion with AI and legal experts on the integration of technology in policy-making and governance.

When: April 25, 2025

Where: Hybrid (Orange, California + Virtual)

About: Celebrate the work of our undergraduate fellows as they present their research findings.

When: May 20, 2025

Where: Caldwell Institute Headquarters, Orange, California

Doctoral Fellowship Networking Event

About: A networking opportunity for current and prospective doctoral fellows to connect and share ideas.

When: June 12, 2025

Where: Virtual

Workshop: Bridging Academia and Policy-making

Caldwell Institute Gala: Honoring Excellence in Policy Research

About: A hands-on workshop focusing on translating academic research into actionable policy proposals.

When: December 2, 2024

Where: Southern California

About: An evening to honor outstanding contributions to legislative research and policy-making.

When: September 15, 2025

Where: Los Angeles, California

Panel Discussion: The Role of Ethics in Lawmaking

About: A conversation on the importance of ethical considerations in crafting legislation.

When: September 28, 2024

Where: Hybrid (In-person and Virtual)

Symposium: Legislative Approaches to Climate Change

Inaugural Conference: Advancing Legislative Research

About: Experts discussed legislative frameworks for addressing global climate challenges.

When: November 15, 2024

Where: Virtual

About: A groundbreaking event that marked the launch of the Caldwell Institute, bringing together thought leaders in legal and policy research.

When: October 12, 2024

Where: Los Angeles, CA

Undergraduate Fellowship Kickoff Event

About: Welcomed the first cohort of undergraduate fellows and introduced them to their research projects.

When: June 5, 2024

Where: Caldwell Institute Headquarters

Faculty Scholar Presentation Series: Legal Reforms in Taxation

Webinar: The Intersection of Technology and Law

About: Faculty scholars presented their latest findings on modernizing tax legislation.

When: August 18, 2024

Where: Virtual

About: Explored the implications of emerging technologies, such as blockchain and AI, on policy-making.

When: July 10, 2024

Where: Virtual

Postdoctoral Fellowship Networking Evening

Roundtable: Challenges in International Policy Reform

About: A collaborative event for postdoctoral fellows to share ideas and build connections in the field.

When: May 22, 2024

Where: Southern California

About: Global experts discussed the complexities of harmonizing international legislative policies.

When: April 14, 2024

Where: Virtual