The Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship 2027–2028 at Harvard Law School supports a recent law graduate with a strong interest in legal scholarship who is preparing for a career in law teaching. The one-year fellowship runs from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028, and provides an annual stipend of $60,000. The Fellow conducts research, prepares a major article for publication, and participates in the academic environment of Harvard Law School. Applications and both reference letters must be submitted by October 1, 2026.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship
Category: Law Teaching Fellowship
Host: Harvard Law School
Duration: July 1, 2027–June 30, 2028
Format: Residential
Annual Stipend: $60,000
Academic Requirement: J.D., LL.M., or S.J.D. degree
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
About the Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship 2027–2028
The Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship is designed for a recent law graduate who has demonstrated a strong interest in legal scholarship and is preparing for a career in law teaching.
The Fellow is expected to spend the academic year in residence at Harvard Law School. During the fellowship, the successful candidate follows a research and work schedule agreed upon with the Lewis Committee.
A central requirement of the fellowship is the preparation of at least one major article for publication. The Fellow can also audit courses and attend workshops at Harvard Law School.
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Fellowship Purpose and Academic Work
The fellowship provides dedicated time for legal research, writing, and preparation for an academic career.
During the appointment, the Lewis Fellow is expected to:
✓ Conduct legal research and scholarly work
✓ Prepare at least one major article for publication
✓ Follow an agreed research and work schedule
✓ Audit Harvard Law School courses where relevant
✓ Attend workshops at the Law School
✓ Participate in the academic environment of Harvard Law School
The fellowship therefore combines independent scholarship with opportunities to engage with courses and academic workshops.
Fellowship Duration and Stipend
The 2027–2028 Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship begins on:
July 1, 2027
and concludes on:
June 30, 2028
The Fellow receives an annual stipend of:
$60,000
The selected Fellow is expected to remain in residence at Harvard Law School during the academic year.
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Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for recent law graduates who are interested in legal scholarship and preparing for careers in law teaching.
At the time of application, candidates must hold one of the following degrees:
• J.D.
• LL.M.
• S.J.D.
Applicants should also be able to demonstrate a strong interest in legal scholarship and law teaching through their application materials and proposed research project.
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit a complete application containing the materials specified by Harvard Law School.
Required documents are:
• A comprehensive résumé or curriculum vitae
• A detailed description of the proposed research and writing project, limited to four pages
• A statement of interest in law teaching and legal scholarship, limited to four pages
• Copies of all transcripts
• Two letters of reference
The research proposal should describe the project the applicant intends to undertake with a view to publication during the fellowship.
The statement on law teaching and legal scholarship should also identify the fields in which the applicant expects to teach and pursue scholarship.
Reference letters should address the applicant’s potential for success as a legal scholar and law teacher.
Recommendation Letters
Two letters of reference are required.
Letters must be uploaded directly by the recommenders through Harvard’s online application process. Both recommendation letters must be received by the same deadline as the main application.
Harvard Law School states that only complete applications will be considered.
Applicants should submit only the materials requested for the fellowship. Supplementary materials are not accepted through the application process.
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Application Process
Applications are submitted through Harvard’s online CARAT application system.
Non-Harvard applicants must first create a HarvardKey before beginning the application. After activation, they can access the fellowship application.
Applicants should:
• Complete all required fields in the online application.
• Enter the names and contact details of their recommenders.
• Send recommendation requests through the application system.
• Upload all required application documents in PDF format.
• Submit the completed application through the submission section.
Harvard applicants submit using their HUID. Non-Harvard applicants use the ID string provided by the application system.
The application system records the date and time of submission, and late applications are not accepted.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the 2027–2028 Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship is:
Thursday, October 1, 2026
The complete application and both letters of reference must be submitted by the deadline.
Only complete applications will be considered.
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official Harvard application system below.
