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

January 2026 (anticipated)

Typically one doctoral fellowship awarded annually; specific stipend not listed.

Supports Ph.D. candidates conducting original empirical and interdisciplinary research on law and inequality in residence at the ABF.

Applications are especially encouraged from students from underrepresented minority groups.

--- ## Description The ABF/LSA/NSF Doctoral Fellowship in Law and Inequality is a residential fellowship hosted by the American Bar Foundation, with support from the National Science Foundation and the Law and Society Association. This program supports original empirical and interdisciplinary research on the study of law and inequality. The fellowship is intended for outstanding Ph.D. candidates who have completed all doctoral requirements except the dissertation and whose research addresses significant issues in law and inequality, promising a major contribution to social scientific understanding of legal or higher education. --- ## Due Dates - Anticipated deadline for the next application cycle: January 2026. - Applications typically open annually at the end of the calendar year for the following academic year. *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - One doctoral fellowship is awarded annually. - The specific stipend amount is not publicly listed; prior fellows have received support for one academic year in residence at the ABF in Chicago. - Fellowship includes access to ABF resources and intellectual community. --- ## Eligibility - Open to Ph.D. candidates who have completed all requirements except the dissertation. - Doctoral research must address significant issues in law and inequality and demonstrate potential for a major contribution to the field. - Students from underrepresented minority groups are especially encouraged to apply. - Research focus must be empirical and interdisciplinary. --- ## Application Process - Application materials and requirements are typically posted on the [fellowship program page](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/program/abf-doctoral-fellowship-program-in-law-and-inequality/). - Applications are submitted directly to the ABF when the cycle opens. - Queries about the application process can be directed to the fellowship contact email. - Applicants may be asked to provide a research proposal, CV, letters of recommendation, and evidence of ABD (all-but-dissertation) status. --- ## Additional Information - The fellowship is in residence at the ABF in Chicago, offering an opportunity to engage with a vibrant community of sociolegal scholars. - A list of [former doctoral and postdoctoral fellows](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/programs/doctoral-fellowships/former-doctoral-and-postdoctoral-fellows/) is available for reference. - The program is designed to foster the next generation of scholars in law and society, with an emphasis on empirical approaches to inequality. --- ## External Links - [Fellowship Program Page](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/program/abf-doctoral-fellowship-program-in-law-and-inequality/) - [Former Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellows](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/programs/doctoral-fellowships/former-doctoral-and-postdoctoral-fellows/) - [American Bar Foundation Programs](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/programs/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Fellowship Inquiries | fellowships@abfn.org | | American Bar Foundation | 750 North Lake Shore Drive, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611-4403 | | General Website | [https://www.americanbarfoundation.org](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org) |

ABF/LSA/NSF Doctoral Fellowship in Law and Inequality

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