2027–2028 Lewis Fellowship at Harvard Law School: $60,000 Stipend for Aspiring Legal Scholars
Harvard Law School is accepting applications for the 2027–2028 Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship, an opportunity designed for recent law graduates who have demonstrated a strong interest in legal scholarship and are preparing for careers in law teaching.
The fellowship is expected to begin on July 1, 2027, and will provide the selected fellow with an annual stipend of $60,000.
About the Lewis Fellowship
The Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship supports promising emerging legal scholars who intend to pursue careers in legal academia.
During the fellowship year, the Lewis Fellow will be expected to develop and prepare at least one major article for publication. The fellow will also have the opportunity to audit courses and participate in workshops at Harvard Law School.
The fellow will follow a research and work schedule agreed upon with the Lewis Committee and is expected to be in residence at Harvard Law School during the academic year.
The fellowship term runs from:
July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028
Fellowship Benefits
- $60,000 annual stipend
- One year of research and scholarly development at Harvard Law School
- Opportunity to audit Harvard Law School courses
- Access to law school workshops and academic activities
- Opportunity to develop a major article for publication
- Preparation for a future career in law teaching and legal scholarship
Who Can Apply?
At the time of application, applicants must hold one of the following degrees:
- J.D. (Juris Doctor)
- LL.M. (Master of Laws)
- S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science)
The fellowship is particularly suited to recent law graduates who have a clear interest in legal scholarship and are considering an academic career.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit only the materials requested by Harvard Law School. A complete application must include:
- A comprehensive résumé or curriculum vitae.
- A research and writing project description, no more than four pages, explaining the project the applicant plans to undertake during the fellowship with the goal of publication.
- A statement of interest in law teaching and legal scholarship, no more than four pages. The statement should explain the applicant’s interest in an academic career and identify the fields in which they expect to teach and conduct scholarly research.
- Copies of all academic transcripts.
- Two letters of reference addressing the applicant’s potential for success as a legal scholar and law teacher.
The two recommendation letters must be uploaded directly by the recommenders through the online application system.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply is:
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Both the completed application and both letters of reference must be submitted by the deadline.
Harvard Law School emphasizes that only complete applications will be considered.
About Reginald F. Lewis
The fellowship was established through a gift from Reginald F. Lewis, a Harvard Law School graduate from the Class of 1968, and his wife, Loida Nicolas-Lewis.
Shortly before his death in 1993, Lewis made what was then the largest grant in the history of Harvard Law School. Harvard Law School’s International Law Center was subsequently renamed in his honor.
Lewis was the founding CEO of TLC Beatrice Foods International and was also the author of Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?
His legacy continues through initiatives supporting education, scholarship and opportunities for talented individuals.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through Harvard Law School’s official online application system.
Apply for the 2027–2028 Lewis Fellowship
Applicants should carefully review the requirements and make sure that both recommendation letters are submitted before the October 1, 2026 deadline.
For questions about the fellowship, applicants can contact LewisFellowship@law.harvard.edu.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information | Institution | Harvard Law School | Fellowship | Reginald F. |
|---|
| Lewis Fellowship | Academic year | 2027–2028 | Fellowship dates | July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028 | Stipend | $60,000 | Eligibility | J.D., LL.M. or S.J.D. |
| Focus | Legal scholarship and law teaching | Residence | Harvard Law School | Application deadline | October 1, 2026 | Letters of reference | 2 required |
A Prestigious Opportunity for Future Law Professors
For recent law graduates seeking to establish themselves in legal academia, the Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship offers a valuable opportunity to spend a year at one of the world’s leading law schools while developing publishable scholarship and gaining exposure to Harvard’s academic environment.
Candidates interested in pursuing careers as law professors, legal researchers and scholars should consider preparing their applications well ahead of the October 1, 2026 deadline.
For more information please open this link
Apply Here