2027 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Law and Social Science

American Bar Foundation•Chicago, IL

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The American Bar Foundation (ABF) is accepting applications for its 2027 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), an eight-week, research-intensive program providing undergraduate students with hands-on training in empirical legal and social science research. Fellows work with an ABF Research Professor as mentor and supervisor, developing an initial research idea into an original research proposal. With mentor guidance, they refine research questions, conduct literature reviews, explore methodological approaches, and consider the ethical and societal implications of scholarly research. Fellows receive feedback from ABF faculty, staff, affiliates, and visiting scholars and present their proposals to the broader ABF community at the program’s conclusion. The program also includes a weekly seminar led by ABF Research Professor Christopher W. Schmidt, introducing foundational scholarship, major debates, and core questions in law and society. Workshops, site visits, and conversations with scholars and research organizations expose Fellows to a range of approaches to sociolegal research and academic inquiry. The fellowship runs June 7 through July 30, 2027. Fellows participate 35 hours per week on a hybrid schedule in the ABF’s Chicago office, working onsite most days with some offsite and remote days. Fellows receive a gross stipend of $6,000. The ABF pays reasonable out-of-state travel and local commuting expenses related to the program; Fellows must arrange their own housing. Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university, have completed at least two years of undergraduate study by the fellowship’s start, and not yet have earned a bachelor’s degree. They must have research interests aligned with ABF work and a strong interest in doctoral study or a joint law and research-focused social science graduate degree. The fellowship is intended for students interested in studying law and the social sciences, rather than primarily practicing law. Applicants authorized to work in the United States for the fellowship’s duration are encouraged to apply; ABF cannot sponsor employment visas. Preference is given to rising seniors and candidates from groups underrepresented in law and social science, including first-generation and low-income students.

Requirements

Be currently enrolled at an accredited college or university in the United States.
Have completed at least two years of undergraduate study by the time the fellowship begins.
Not have earned a bachelor’s degree by the time the fellowship begins.
Have research interests that align with the work conducted at the American Bar Foundation.
Have a strong interest in pursuing a PhD or a joint law degree and research-focused graduate degree in the social sciences.
Be authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship.
Submit a résumé or academic CV, an unofficial transcript, and responses to both required essay prompts in a single-file PDF.
Participate in the fellowship for 35 hours per week from June 7 through July 30, 2027.

Nice To Haves

Preference is given to rising seniors.
Preference is given to candidates from groups underrepresented in law and social science, including first-generation and low-income students.
Demonstrated engagement in research and interest in research-oriented graduate study are valued.
Initiative, thoughtful questions, and active engagement with mentors and the research process are well-suited to the fellowship.

Responsibilities

Develop an initial research idea into an original research proposal with guidance from an ABF Research Professor.
Refine research questions, conduct literature reviews, explore methodological approaches, and consider ethical and societal implications of scholarly research.
Engage with ABF faculty, staff, affiliates, and visiting scholars and receive feedback on emerging research ideas.
Present the research proposal to the broader ABF community at the conclusion of the program.
Participate in a weekly seminar on foundational scholarship, debates, and questions in sociolegal research.
Take part in program workshops, site visits, and conversations with scholars and research organizations.