American Bar Foundation
Doctoral Fellowships in Law and Social Science
2008-2009
Purpose
The American Bar Foundation is committed to developing the next generation of scholars in the field of law and social science. The purpose of the fellowships is to encourage original and significant research on law, the legal profession, and legal institutions.
Eligibility
For the Doctoral Fellowships, applications are invited from outstanding students who are candidates for Ph.D. degrees in the social sciences. Applicants must have completed all doctoral requirements except the dissertation by September 1, 2008. Applicants who will have completed the dissertation prior to September 1, 2008 are also welcome to apply. Proposed research must be in the general area of sociolegal studies or in social scientific approaches to law, the legal profession, or legal institutions. The dissertation must address significant issues in the field and show promise of a major contribution to social scientific understanding of law and legal process. Minority students are especially encouraged to apply.
Awards
Doctoral Fellows receive a stipend of $25,000 for 12 months. Fellows also may request up to $1,500 to reimburse expenses associated with research, travel to meet with advisors, or travel to conferences at which papers are presented. Relocation expenses up to $1,000 may be reimbursed on application.
Tenure
Fellowships are awarded for 12 months, beginning, September 1, 2008.
Conditions
Fellowships are held in residence at the American Bar Foundation. Appointments to fellowships are full time. Fellows are expected to participate fully in the academic life of the ABF so that they may develop close collegial ties with other scholars in residence.
Application Process
Applications must include: (1) a dissertation abstract or proposal with an outline of the substance and methods of the research; (2) two letters of reference, one of which must be from a supervisor of the dissertation; (3) a curriculum vitae; and (4) a transcript of graduate record. In addition, at the applicant’s option, a short sample of written work may be submitted.
Applications must be received no later than January 7, 2008. Awards will be announced by February 15, 2008.
For questions about the terms of the fellowship, contact Janice Nadler (Chair, Appointments Committee) at jnadler@abfn.org.
Application materials should be directed to: Tim Watson, Program Associate, ABF, 750 N. Lake Shore Drive, 4th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60611, (312)988-6560, timw@abfn.org.
ABF Website: www.americanbarfoundation.org