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American Bar Foundation · 4 months ago

2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

Chicago, IL

Internship

Hybrid

Intern

Start in 2026 Summer

The American Bar Foundation (ABF) is accepting applications for the 2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), an eight-week program that offers hands-on experience and exposure to sociolegal research. This fellowship is designed for undergraduate students interested in pursuing postgraduate research, providing them with mentorship opportunities and insights into a research-oriented career in law and social science.

Responsibilities

Contribute to mentor’s research projects or pursue own research based on discussions with mentor

Conduct archival research, prepare literature reviews, and code qualitative data

Engage with other ABF faculty, staff, and affiliates

Participate in a weekly seminar led by an ABF Research Professor

Engage critically with sociolegal scholarship through discussions and guest speakers

Attend information sessions with legal professionals and scholars

Tour the offices of major international law firms and meet with admissions representatives from local law schools

Qualification

Research skillsInterest in sociolegal researchLiterature reviewArchival researchNetworking skills

Required

Be currently enrolled at an accredited college or university in the United States

Have completed at least two years of your undergraduate study by the time the fellowship begins

Not have earned a bachelor's degree by the time the fellowship begins

Demonstrate research interests that align with the work conducted at the American Bar Foundation

Have a strong interest in pursuing a doctoral degree (PhD) or a research-focused joint JD/PhD in the social sciences

All qualified candidates who are authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship are encouraged to apply

Preferred

Preference will be given to candidates from groups that are underrepresented in the fields of law and social science, including but not limited to first-generation and low-income students