[American Bar Foundation](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org)

March 1, 2026

$48,000 annual stipend for one year; possible renewal for a second year if funding is available; modest research and relocation support

Supports doctoral candidates conducting empirical research on access, affordability, or value in legal and higher education.

Fellowship is full-time, in residence at ABF in Chicago; no visa sponsorship available.

--- ## Description The ABF/AccessLex Institute Doctoral Fellowship Program in Legal & Higher Education is designed for emerging scholars whose research focuses on access, affordability, or value in legal and higher education. The fellowship aims to foster a professional network of interdisciplinary researchers and support innovative, objective, and empirical projects that address significant challenges in legal or higher education. Fellows are expected to participate fully in the academic life of the American Bar Foundation (ABF) in Chicago, benefiting from mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities. --- ## Due Dates - March 1, 2026: Full application deadline for the 2026–27 fellowship cycle --- ## Funding Amount - Annual stipend: $48,000 for one year (September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027) - Modest research account for research-related expenses and travel - Reasonable relocation expenses may be reimbursed - Possibility of renewal for a second year if external funding is secured - Fellows are not ABF employees and must retain benefits (including healthcare) through their home institution --- ## Eligibility - Open to outstanding candidates for LLM, SJD, or PhD degrees across disciplines - Applicants must have completed all doctoral requirements except the dissertation by September 1, 2026 - Doctoral research must address access, affordability, or value in legal or higher education and show promise of significant scholarly contribution - Students from underrepresented minority groups and those from schools not typically represented among law faculty are especially encouraged to apply - No citizenship requirements, but ABF cannot sponsor visas or provide immigration advice; applicants must be authorized to work in the US --- ## Application Process Applicants must submit: - 1–2 page cover letter - 2–3 page description of the research project or interest relevant to legal or higher education - Curriculum vitae or resume - Writing sample appropriate to the candidate’s discipline - Names and contact information for three referees (including dissertation chair or LLM/SJD advisor) - 2–3 page statement describing demonstrated and planned contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion (awareness, track record, and future plans) **Apply online:** [Application portal](https://american-bar-foundation.breezy.hr/p/6fcf1538c733-abf-accesslex-institute-doctoral-fellowship-program-in-legal-higher-education-2026/apply) --- ## Additional Information - Fellowship is full-time and in residence at the ABF in Chicago, IL - Fellows cannot hold concurrent fellowships but may apply for research grants - Participation in ABF’s academic community is expected - The program does not provide visa sponsorship; international applicants should consult their institution’s international office --- ## External Links - [Fellowship Program Details](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/?post_type=programs&p=1314) - [Application Portal](https://american-bar-foundation.breezy.hr/p/6fcf1538c733-abf-accesslex-institute-doctoral-fellowship-program-in-legal-higher-education-2026/apply) - [Former Doctoral & Postdoctoral Fellows](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/programs/doctoral-fellowships/former-doctoral-and-postdoctoral-fellows/) - [ABF Doctoral Fellowships Overview](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/programs/doctoral-fellowships/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | General Fellowship Inquiries | fellowships@abfn.org (Subject: ABF/AccessLex Doctoral Fellowship Program in Legal and Higher Education) |

ABF/AccessLex Institute Doctoral Fellowship Program in Legal & Higher Education

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