
ABOUT PENDLETON RESEARCH CENTER FOR LAW AND JUSTICE
We at Pendleton Research Center for Law and Justice bring together a diverse community of experts and scholars dedicated to shaping the future of law. Our institute is a place where exceptional minds from various backgrounds, cultures, and fields of expertise come together to explore the complexities of legal reform, access to justice, and emerging legal trends. We are committed to fostering a collaborative environment where innovation, rigorous research, and diverse perspectives converge to drive meaningful change in the legal landscape. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of legal thought and practice, paving the way for a more just and effective legal system worldwide.
Our Purpose
Pendleton Research Center exists to drive meaningful and lasting change in the legal field. Our focus is on:






Conducting groundbreaking research that identifies and tackles critical legal issues.
Through these efforts, Pendleton seeks to influence laws, practices, and policies that contribute to a fairer and more just society.
Our Aspiration


Pendleton aspires to create a world where justice is not a privilege but a universal right. We envision legal systems that are accessible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all individuals. By fostering innovation, guiding policy, and creating dialogue across borders, we aim to build legal environments that are equitable and effective, both locally and globally.
Our Approach
Pendleton’s approach to legal reform is built on collaboration, research, and advocacy. We are committed to:
Advancing strategic solutions to improve the effectiveness and fairness of legal systems.
Collaborating with global leaders, legal experts, and policymakers to promote positive reforms and enhance access to justice.


Research Excellence
Conducting rigorous, innovative research that addresses emerging legal challenges and opportunities.




Global Partnerships
Advocacy for Change
Working alongside a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, legal professionals, and international organizations, to ensure that our insights and solutions have real-world applications.
Turning our research into actionable strategies that influence public policy and drive meaningful legal reform worldwide.
Pendleton Research Center for Law and Justice was established in 2012 by a group of visionary lawyers who shared a deep commitment to advancing justice and legal reform. The center was named in honor of William Pendleton, a trailblazing attorney and advocate whose lifelong dedication to justice inspired the founders to create an institution that embodies his legacy. Pendleton’s pioneering work in legal advocacy continues to serve as a guiding light for the center's mission and values.
Our Origins


From its inception, Pendleton Research Center has focused on addressing critical challenges in the legal system, with an emphasis on enhancing access to justice, promoting transparency, and advancing equity in legal frameworks. The founders envisioned a collaborative space where research, policy, and practice converge to drive meaningful reform and empower communities.


Today, the center is proudly led by Dr. Jonathan Merrick, a distinguished legal scholar and expert in public policy. Under his leadership, the institute has expanded its focus to include cutting-edge research on emerging topics such as technology’s role in law, global intellectual property trends, and the evolving ethics of litigation funding.


As Pendleton Research Center continues to grow, it remains deeply rooted in its original mission: to honor the legacy of William Pendleton by shaping a more fair, transparent, and inclusive legal system. Guided by this enduring vision, the center stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the legal community, working tirelessly to create lasting impact both locally and globally.


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