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

February 22, 2025

$35,000/year for up to 2 years (24 months); modest research/travel support

Supports Northwestern Ph.D. candidates conducting original sociolegal research on law, legal institutions, or social justice.

Fellowship is in-residence at the American Bar Foundation and open only to Northwestern Ph.D. candidates.

--- ## Description The American Bar Foundation (ABF), in partnership with Northwestern University, offers a doctoral fellowship to support Ph.D. candidates pursuing significant and original research in sociolegal studies. The fellowship aims to foster research that advances understanding of law, legal institutions, the legal profession, or social justice through social scientific approaches. Fellows are expected to be in residence at the ABF in Chicago and to participate actively in its scholarly community. --- ## Due Dates - Application deadline: February 22, 2025 --- ## Funding Amount - $35,000 annual stipend for up to two academic years (24 months) - Additional modest research account for reimbursable research expenses and travel to conferences or meetings with advisors --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be Ph.D. candidates at Northwestern University in social sciences or related fields. - Candidates must have completed all doctoral requirements except the dissertation (ABD status) by the start of the fellowship. - Research must be in the general area of sociolegal studies or employ social scientific approaches to law, legal institutions, the legal profession, or social justice. - Projects should address significant issues and demonstrate the potential for major contributions to the field. --- ## Application Process Applicants must submit the following materials: - 1–2 page cover letter of application - 2–3 page description of the research project, including a dissertation abstract or proposal with an outline of substance and methods - Curriculum vitae - Names and contact information for three referees (one must be the dissertation chair) - Writing sample (reflective of best work and appropriate to the discipline) - Diversity Statement (up to 2 pages), detailing demonstrated and planned efforts to promote diversity and equity **Application submission:** Applications are typically submitted through an online portal. For the most current application link and instructions, refer to the [program page](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/program/the-abf-northwestern-doctoral-fellowship-program/). --- ## Additional Information - Fellowship is held in residence at the ABF in Chicago; full-time participation in the ABF academic community is expected. - Fellows retain healthcare and other benefits through Northwestern University. - See the [Former Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellows](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/programs/doctoral-fellowships/former-doctoral-and-postdoctoral-fellows/) page for examples of past recipients. --- ## External Links - [Program Details & Application Instructions](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/program/the-abf-northwestern-doctoral-fellowship-program/) - [American Bar Foundation Programs Overview](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/programs/) - [Northwestern University Graduate School News](https://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/about/news/2021/09/abfnorthwestern-university-doctoral-fellowship-program-in-law-and-social-science.html) --- ## Contact Information | Organization | Website | Address | |-----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | American Bar Foundation | [https://www.americanbarfoundation.org](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org) | 750 North Lake Shore Drive, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611-4403 | For specific questions about the fellowship, refer to the program page or the contacts listed there.

ABF/Northwestern University Doctoral Fellowship Program in Law & Social Science

Sign in to see full grant listing