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

January 2026 (Application Deadline)

$4,000 stipend for 8 weeks; 4–5 awards annually

Summer fellowship for undergraduates to gain hands-on research experience and mentorship in law and social science, with a focus on diversity and inclusion.

--- ## Description The American Bar Foundation (ABF) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program provides undergraduate students with an immersive, full-time, eight-week research assistantship in Chicago. Fellows work closely with ABF Research Faculty, supporting ongoing projects in law and social science while receiving mentorship from experienced scholars. The program is designed to introduce students—especially those from backgrounds underrepresented in law and social science—to research-oriented careers and to foster broader inclusion in the legal profession. Fellows participate in weekly seminars on social science research, attend site visits to courts, law firms, and legal aid organizations, and meet with law school admissions representatives. The program provides a unique opportunity to build professional networks and gain first-hand insight into the legal field. --- ## Due Dates - **Anticipated Application Deadline:** January 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Stipend:** $4,000 for the full 8-week fellowship - **Awards:** 4–5 undergraduate fellows selected each year --- ## Eligibility - Open to sophomores and juniors enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities - Applicants must have completed at least their sophomore year and must not have received a bachelor’s degree before the fellowship begins - Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) - U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is typical, but some programs may consider international students enrolled at U.S. institutions - Strong encouragement for applicants from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to: economic background, race, ethnicity, disability, military experience, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religious affiliation, and first-generation college students --- ## Application Process - Applications are typically submitted online through the ABF website - Required materials generally include: - Application form - Resume/CV - Academic transcript - Personal statement or essay - Letters of recommendation - Review the [program page](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/programs/undergraduate-fellowships/) for detailed application instructions and updates --- ## Additional Information - Fellows are based in Chicago and are expected to work 35 hours per week for the duration of the program - The program emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and exposure to a range of legal careers - Alumni have gone on to distinguished careers in law, academia, government, and social policy - Past site visits have included Cook County Criminal Court, leading law firms, and social justice nonprofits --- ## External Links - [ABF SURF Program Overview](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/programs/undergraduate-fellowships/) - [Detailed Program Information & Past Fellows](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/?post_type=programs&p=1301) - [Funder Home Page](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org) - [Former Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/programs/undergraduate-fellowships/past-summer-undergraduate-research-fellows/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Webpage | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | ABF Fellowships Office | fellowships@abfn.org | [ABF Undergraduate Fellowships](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/programs/undergraduate-fellowships/) | ---

ABF Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program

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