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

February 2026 (Application deadline)

Fellowship includes research support and residency at the ABF; award value not specified.

Supports original dissertation research in law and social science by University of Chicago PhD candidates, with residency at the American Bar Foundation.

For University of Chicago Social Sciences PhD candidates only.

--- ## Description The American Bar Foundation (ABF), in partnership with the University of Chicago, offers a doctoral fellowship program for PhD candidates in the Social Sciences Division. The fellowship is designed to support original and significant dissertation research on law, the legal profession, legal institutions, or social justice. Selected fellows are in residence at the ABF, where they benefit from a collaborative research environment and mentorship from leading scholars in law and social science. The goal is to foster major contributions to the social scientific understanding of law and justice. --- ## Due Dates - Anticipated application deadline: February 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Fellowship provides research support and residency at the American Bar Foundation. - Specific award amounts are not published; fellows are expected to receive funding from the University of Chicago during the fellowship term. --- ## Eligibility - Open to PhD candidates in the University of Chicago’s Social Sciences Division. - Applicants must have completed all doctoral requirements except the dissertation before the fellowship begins. - Candidates must expect to receive funding from the University of Chicago throughout the fellowship period. - Research must focus on sociolegal studies or social scientific approaches to law, legal institutions, the legal profession, or social justice. - Open to international students; no citizenship restrictions. --- ## Application Process - Applications are typically due in February each year (anticipated February 2026 for the next cycle). - Applicants should prepare materials demonstrating their research focus and progress toward the dissertation. - The application process and portal will be announced on the [ABF program page](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/program/the-abf-uchicago-doctoral-fellowship-program/). - For reference, previous application cycles have used the [ABF Breezy HR portal](https://american-bar-foundation.breezy.hr/#positions). --- ## Additional Information - The fellowship is conducted in residence at the American Bar Foundation in Chicago. - Fellows join a vibrant intellectual community and have access to ABF resources and events. - A list of current and past fellows is available on the [ABF website](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/programs/doctoral-fellowships/former-doctoral-and-postdoctoral-fellows/). --- ## External Links - [ABF/University of Chicago Doctoral Fellowship Program Details](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/program/the-abf-uchicago-doctoral-fellowship-program/) - [American Bar Foundation Programs Overview](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/programs/) - [UChicago Fellowship Listing](https://grad.uchicago.edu/fellowship/american-bar-foundation-university-of-chicago-doctoral-fellowship-program-in-law-and-social-science/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |--------------|---------| | Program Info | [ABF Program Page](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/program/the-abf-uchicago-doctoral-fellowship-program/) | | General Inquiries | [American Bar Foundation Contact](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/about/) | ---

ABF/University of Chicago Doctoral Fellowship Program in Law and Social Science

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