How to Apply for Lewis Fellowship in USA | Step-by-Step Application Process

Harvard Law School (HLS), founded in 1817, is the oldest continuously operating law school in the U.S. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it offers J.D., LL.M., and S.J.D. programs, along with joint degrees. HLS boasts a renowned faculty, extensive facilities, including the Langdell Hall library, and numerous clinics and research centers. Its competitive admissions process, vibrant student life, and distinguished alumni network, including U.S. presidents and Supreme Court justices, underscore its role in advancing justice and societal well-being. 

The Harvard Law School (HLS) offers the Lewis Fellowship in the USA, available to law graduates of any age, nationality, race, gender, or religion. The Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship for Law Teaching at Harvard spans one year and provides advanced legal methodologies and strategies, preparing participants for successful legal careers. This fully funded opportunity allows international law students to study in the USA for free.

The fellowship supports recent law graduates with a strong interest in legal scholarship and aims to prepare them for careers in law education. Running from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, the program focuses on fostering future law educators who will help diversify the legal profession. Fellows are required to produce at least one significant article for potential publication and have the chance to audit courses and attend workshops at the law school. They will also work with the Lewis Committee to establish a research and work schedule. This makes the Lewis Fellowship one of the top law fellowships available.

Please check the eligibility criteria. If you are a perfect candidate according to the eligibility criteria, please follow the step-by-step process to apply for this fellowship.

Eligibility

• This law fellowship by Harvard is open to individuals who have recently graduated from law school, providing them with an opportunity to begin a promising career path.
• The Harvard fellowship in the USA welcomes applications from candidates of any nationality, promoting diversity and international collaboration.
• The selection process adheres to a strict policy of non-discrimination, ensuring that there is no bias based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic.
• Harvard Law Lewis Fellowship is particularly for applicants with a basic qualification such as J.D., LL.M., or S.J.D. degree.
• Similarly, applicants should possess a strong passion for pursuing a career as a legal scholar or law teacher, demonstrating their commitment to advancing legal education.
• Applicants must have a keen interest and dedication to the field of law, reflecting the candidate’s genuine enthusiasm for legal scholarship and teaching.
• Moreover, applicants who want to pursue a career in law must apply for this Harvard fellowship for law students.

Benefits

• Each fellow will receive an annual stipend of $60,000, hence providing crucial financial support.
• Accommodation within the Harvard Law School premises will ensure a convenient and accessible living arrangement.
• Fellows will gain exposure to real-world legal challenges, enabling them to develop practical insights into the field.
• The USA fellowship program offers firsthand experience with legal proceedings in action, deepening participants’ practical knowledge.
• Fellows will have the opportunity to refine and strengthen their communication skills in the language of law, which will be a valuable asset for their legal careers.
• The fully funded law fellowship is an international networking opportunity. 
• Fellows also gain access to Harvard Law School’s extensive resources, including libraries, research facilities, and academic networks.
• Similarly, receiving the Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship is an achievement that carries prestige and recognition, enhancing fellows’ credibility and career prospects.
• It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in the USA for free and explore American culture. 
• Through this Harvard law fellowship in the USA, fellows will get an opportunity to connect with law professionals and mentors. 

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step - 1: First, you will need to visit the official website of Harvard Law School for Lewis Fellowship. 

Step - 2: Then, you will need to click on the "Start Your Lewis Fellowship Application" button. 

Step - 3: Next, you will need to click on the "Create your HarvardKey" button. 

Step - 4: Here, you will need to input your valid email ID and name. Then, you will need to click on the "CREATE YOUR HARVARDKEY" button. 

Step - 5: Afterward, you will get a link at your given email ID. You will need to click on that link. Then, you will need to set a password. Then, your account will be successfully created.

Step - 6: Next, you will need to go back to the webpage of Lewis Fellowship. Then, click on the "Start Your Lewis Fellowship Application" button. 

Step - 7: Next, you will need to scroll down and click on the "Click to Apply for the 2025-2026 Lewis Fellowship" button. 

Step - 8: Next, you will need to provide your registered email ID and password. Then, click on the "SIGN IN" button. 

Step - 9: Here, you will need to read the description and eligibility criteria of the fellowship. Then, you will need to click on the "Save and Next >" button. 

Step - 10:  Here, you will need to add your recommenders' names by searching their names. Then, you will need to click on the "Save and Next >" button. 

Step - 11: Here, you will need to answer some additional questions shown in the image below. Afterward, click on the "Save and Next >" button. 

Step - 12: Here, you will need to upload some supplemental documents. You can upload by clicking on the "Choose File" button and then selecting the particular file from your computer. After uploading all the documents, you will need to click on the "Save and Next>" button. 

Step - 13: Here, you will need to validate your given information by clicking on the "Click here to validate application" button. 

Step - 14: Here, you will be given a electronic signature ID, which you will need to input in the designated box shown in the image below. 

Step - 15: After entering your ID, a "Submit Application" button will appear. You will need to click on that button to submit your application. 

Conclusion

Harvard Law School (HLS), a prestigious institution known for its significant contributions to legal education, offers the Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship for Law Teaching, a one-year fully funded program aimed at preparing recent law graduates for careers in legal scholarship and teaching. Open to applicants of any nationality and background, this fellowship provides a $60,000 annual stipend, accommodation, and access to extensive resources at HLS. The program focuses on fostering future law educators, promoting diversity in the legal profession, and offering valuable networking opportunities. Successful applicants will engage in advanced legal methodologies, produce publishable research, and gain practical insights into the legal field, enhancing their career prospects and professional development.