2027 ABF/Northwestern University Doctoral Fellowship in Law and Social Science

Deadline: March 1, 2027 Purpose The American Bar Foundation and Northwestern University are committed to developing the next generation of scholars in the field of law and social science. The purpose of this fellowship is to encourage original and significant research on law, legal institutions, the legal profession, or social justice, broadly understood. Eligibility Applicants should be outstanding graduate students who are candidates for a Ph. D. degree in the social sciences at Northwestern University. Final selection is made by the American Bar Foundation’s Doctoral Fellowship Committee. Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria: Applicants must anticipate completing all doctoral requirements except the dissertation by September 1, 2027. Applicants must be pursuing doctoral and proposed research in the general area of sociolegal studies or in social scientific approaches to law, legal institutions, the legal profession, or social justice. The research must address significant issues in the field and show promise of a major contribution to social scientific understanding. While there are no citizenship requirements for this fellowship, please note that we do not have the institutional capacity to sponsor visas, and the ABF is unable to advise on individual visa matters. If you have questions, we encourage you to discuss your circumstances with the international student services office at your institution. Awards Fellows will receive a stipend of $48,000 per year for up to two academic years (24 months). Doctoral fellows will not be considered employees of the ABF and must retain benefits, including health insurance, through Northwestern. Fellows will also have access to a $3,500 per year research allowance to reimburse expenses associated with research and travel to academic conferences. Tenure Fellowships are awarded for up to 24 months, beginning September 1, 2027. Conditions Fellowships are held in residence at the ABF. Appointments to fellowships are full time. Fellows are expected to participate fully in the academic life of the ABF so that they may develop close collegial ties with ABF faculty and other scholars in residence. Because this is a full-time program, the ABF does not allow fellows to hold concurrent fellowships or teaching commitments, but we support and encourage fellows to apply for supplemental research grants.

Application Process: Applicants must include the following, combined as a single PDF: 1–2-page cover letter of application; 2–3-page description of a research project, a dissertation abstract or proposal with an outline of the substance and methods of the research; 1-2 page personal statement, highlighting: Pivotal experiences, opportunities, and/or challenges that have influenced your educational and professional development; Past or future contributions to diversity, equity and/or inclusion through research, life experience, or other work; and/or Any relevant information not covered elsewhere in your application, including explanation of any aspects of your record that may not reflect your true capabilities; a curriculum vitae; a letter of recommendation from the applicant's dissertation advisor, addressing the applicant's scholarly potential and confirming that the applicant is in good standing and is expected to have completed all doctoral requirements except the dissertation by September 1, 2027; a writing sample, reflective of a candidate’s best work and appropriate to a candidate’s disciplin e.