Emily S. Taylor Poppe

Emily S. Taylor Poppe serves as Professor of Law at the University of California, Irvine School of Law with a courtesy appointment as Professor of Sociology. She leads the UCI Law Initiative for Inclusive Civil Justice as its Faculty Director, driving research and programming focused on equitable access to legal systems.

Her academic foundation spans multiple disciplines:

• PhD in Sociology from Cornell University
• JD from Northwestern University School of Law
• AB degrees in Public Policy and Spanish from Duke University

Professor Taylor Poppe's research examines systemic barriers in civil justice, particularly how socioeconomic status, race, and language create disparities in legal outcomes. Her interdisciplinary approach combines sociological analysis with legal scholarship to develop practical solutions for underserved communities. She investigates self-representation trends, legal deserts (areas lacking adequate legal services), and innovative service delivery models that could bridge justice gaps.

Through the UCI Law Initiative for Inclusive Civil Justice, she oversees community partnerships with legal aid organizations and policymakers. The initiative develops programs including community legal empowerment workshops, technology-assisted service platforms, and policy reform advocacy targeting structural inequities in civil legal systems.