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

April 27, 2026

$3,000 ABF stipend per year (up to 2 years) in addition to UChicago funding; modest research account

Supports UChicago Social Sciences Ph.D. candidates conducting sociolegal research with in-residence fellowships at the American Bar Foundation.

Open only to UChicago Social Sciences Ph.D. candidates; no visa sponsorship available.

--- ## Description The ABF/University of Chicago Doctoral Fellowship Program in Law and Social Science is a collaboration between the American Bar Foundation (ABF) and the University of Chicago. It provides an in-residence fellowship for Ph.D. candidates in the Social Sciences Division at UChicago whose research engages sociolegal studies or applies social scientific approaches to law, legal institutions, the legal profession, or social justice. Fellows are supported in producing original, significant research that advances understanding of law and justice, and participate fully in the academic life of the ABF. --- ## Due Dates - April 27, 2026: Full application deadline for the 2026–27 fellowship cycle --- ## Funding Amount - Fellows receive an annual $3,000 stipend from the ABF for up to two academic years (24 months), in addition to their standard UChicago funding. - A modest research account is provided to reimburse research-related expenses, including travel to conferences or meetings with advisors. - The fellowship is tenable for up to 24 months, beginning September 1, 2026. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be outstanding Ph.D. candidates in the Social Sciences Division at the University of Chicago. - All doctoral requirements except the dissertation must be completed by September 1, 2026. - Candidates must expect to receive UChicago funding during the fellowship years. - Doctoral research must be in sociolegal studies or a social scientific approach to law, legal institutions, the legal profession, or social justice. - No citizenship requirements, but the ABF does not sponsor visas and cannot advise on visa matters. - Fellows must be in residence at the ABF in Chicago and may not hold concurrent fellowships. --- ## Application Process Applicants must submit a single PDF containing: - 1–2 page cover letter - 2–3 page research project description, dissertation abstract, or proposal (including substance and methods) - Curriculum vitae - Names and contact information for three professional references (one must be the dissertation chair) - Departmental endorsement letter (in consultation with the UChicago Social Sciences Dean of Students office) - Writing sample (best work, appropriate to discipline) - 1–2 page personal statement, addressing relevant experiences, leadership, service, or additional context Applications are submitted via the [ABF application portal](https://american-bar-foundation.breezy.hr/p/6a1607d5590f-abf-university-of-chicago-doctoral-fellowship-program-in-law-and-social-science-2026/apply). --- ## Additional Information - Fellowship is full-time and in-residence at the ABF, beginning September 1, 2026. - Fellows are not employees of the ABF and retain benefits and health insurance through UChicago. - The program encourages but does not require fellows to seek additional research grants. - For a list of former fellows, see the [Former Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellows page](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/programs/doctoral-fellowships/former-doctoral-and-postdoctoral-fellows/). --- ## External Links - [Program Details & Application](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/?post_type=programs&p=1306) - [Direct Application Portal](https://american-bar-foundation.breezy.hr/p/6a1607d5590f-abf-university-of-chicago-doctoral-fellowship-program-in-law-and-social-science-2026/apply) - [Former Fellows](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/programs/doctoral-fellowships/former-doctoral-and-postdoctoral-fellows/) - [General ABF Doctoral Fellowships Page](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/programs/doctoral-fellowships/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |--------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Email | fellowships[@]abfn.org (subject: ABF/UChicago Doctoral Fellowship Program) | | Address | American Bar Foundation, 750 North Lake Shore Drive, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611-4403 | | Program Page | [ABF/University of Chicago Doctoral Fellowship Program](https://www.americanbarfoundation.org/?post_type=programs&p=1306) |

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

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