The Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship for Law Teaching at Harvard Law School offers a fully funded, one-year residency for recent law graduates aiming to pursue careers in legal scholarship and teaching. This prestigious fellowship provides a $60,000 stipend, the opportunity to audit courses, participate in workshops, and produce a significant scholarly article. Open to all nationalities, it fosters diversity in the legal academy.
Harvard Law School, established in 1817, is one of the world’s preeminent law schools, known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to shaping future legal leaders. The Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship was established through a generous grant from alumnus Reginald F. Lewis and his wife Loida Nicolas-Lewis. The fellowship honors Lewis’s legacy by supporting scholars who will contribute to the diversification of the legal profession.
Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship Benefits
- Annual stipend of $60,000
- One-year residency at Harvard Law School (July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028)
- Opportunity to audit law school courses
- Participation in law school workshops
- Produce at least one significant scholarly article for publication
- Exposure to real-world legal practices
- No age, nationality, racial, gender, or religious restrictions
Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must have recently graduated from law school
- Open to individuals of all nationalities
- No discriminatory restrictions
Required Documents
- A detailed CV or Resume
- A thorough description of the research and writing project, with the aim of eventual publication during the Fellowship. (4 pages maximum)
- A Statement of Purpose (4 pages maximum)
- Academic Transcripts
- Recommendation Letters (2)
How to Apply?
- Click the “Apply Now” button below to access the official Harvard Law School application portal.
- Log in or create an account to begin your application.
- Complete all required sections of the online application form.
- Upload all required documents in PDF format. Harvard applicants:
- Enter your HUID (Harvard University ID) and submit your application.
- Non-Harvard applicants: Enter the unique ID string provided above the entry field and submit your application.
- Review your application carefully before submitting.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship for Law Teaching at Harvard Law School. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship?
It is a fully funded, one-year residency fellowship at Harvard Law School designed for recent law graduates interested in legal scholarship and teaching. Fellows receive a $60,000 stipend and support to produce a scholarly article while auditing courses and participating in workshops.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
The fellowship is open to individuals who have recently graduated from law school. There are no restrictions based on age, nationality, race, gender, or religion. The program encourages applicants committed to diversifying the legal academy.
What is the fellowship duration?
The fellowship runs from July 1, 2027, to June 30, 2028. It is a full-time, in-residence program at Harvard Law School in Cambridge, USA.
What financial benefits does the fellowship offer?
Fellows receive an annual stipend of $60,000, which supports living expenses during the residency. The program is fully funded, covering the cost of participation but not additional tuition if auditing courses.
What are the application requirements?
While specific documents are not listed in the provided content, applicants are typically required to submit a research proposal, CV, law school transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Contact Harvard Law School for the most current checklist.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline for the 2027-2028 fellowship is October 1, 2026. Applicants should ensure all materials are submitted by that date.
Is the fellowship open to international applicants?
Yes, there are no nationality restrictions. International law graduates are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.
What does the fellow do during the year?
The fellow produces at least one significant article for potential publication, audits law school courses, participates in workshops, and collaborates with the Lewis Committee on a research schedule. It is an immersive experience to prepare for a career in law teaching.
How is the fellowship funded?
The fellowship is endowed by a grant from Reginald F. Lewis, a Harvard Law School alumnus, and his wife Loida Nicolas-Lewis. It honors his legacy and his historic donation to the law school.
Does the fellowship lead to a degree?
No, this is not a degree-granting program. It is a professional development fellowship aimed at launching a career in legal academia. Fellows are not enrolled in an LL.M. or J.S.D. program.
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