Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship for Law Graduates 2025

The Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship is a prestigious opportunity offered by Harvard Law School to aspiring legal scholars. Named after the trailblazing Reginald F. Lewis, a Harvard Law School graduate, and made possible by a generous donation from him and his wife, Loida Nicolas-Lewis, the fellowship serves as a bridge for recent law graduates preparing for a career in legal academia. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to refine research skills, produce high-quality scholarship, and engage with the academic community at one of the world's leading law schools.

Overview of the Fellowship

The Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship is a one-year fellowship that begins on July 1, 2025, and ends on June 30, 2026. The fellowship is aimed at law graduates who are passionate about legal scholarship and have aspirations of entering the world of law teaching. During the fellowship, the selected candidate, known as the Lewis Fellow, is expected to be in residence at Harvard Law School throughout the academic year.

This fellowship offers not only financial support but also an intellectually stimulating environment where the fellow can develop their scholarly work. The Lewis Fellow is given the time, space, and resources to produce at least one major article for publication, an essential step for those pursuing a career in law teaching. Additionally, fellows are given the opportunity to audit courses and attend various workshops at Harvard Law School, providing them with a chance to broaden their understanding of different legal disciplines.

Who Was Reginald F. Lewis?

The fellowship is named after Reginald F. Lewis, a Harvard Law School graduate (class of 1968) and an accomplished entrepreneur and lawyer. Lewis was the first African American to build a billion-dollar business when he led the buyout of Beatrice International Foods, forming TLC Beatrice International, a global food conglomerate. He was also the author of the book Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?, which chronicles his journey to becoming one of the most successful business figures of his time.

Shortly before his death in 1993, Lewis made a significant donation to Harvard Law School, which at the time was the largest grant in the institution’s history. In recognition of his contributions, the Harvard Law School International Law Center was renamed in his honor.

Fellowship Benefits

• Stipend: The Lewis Fellow receives an annual stipend of $60,000. This stipend is designed to support the fellow's living and research expenses during the fellowship period.
• In-Residence Requirement: The Lewis Fellow is required to be in residence at Harvard Law School for the duration of the fellowship. This residency requirement allows fellows to fully immerse themselves in the academic community, engage with faculty members, and participate in various scholarly activities and workshops.
• Research Opportunities: The fellow is expected to prepare at least one major article for publication. This project should demonstrate the fellow’s ability to produce original and impactful legal scholarship. Additionally, the fellow will have access to Harvard’s extensive library resources, which can support their research efforts.
• Course Auditing and Workshops: The Lewis Fellow has the opportunity to audit courses at Harvard Law School and attend faculty workshops. This allows the fellow to stay abreast of the latest developments in their field of interest while interacting with leading legal scholars.

Application Process

The application process for the Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship is highly competitive. Interested applicants should ensure that their applications are thorough, well-organized, and submitted by the deadline.

Basic Qualifications

To apply for the Lewis Fellowship, applicants must have one of the following degrees at the time of application:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• Master of Laws (LL.M.)
• Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)

Required Application Materials

• Comprehensive Résumé or Curriculum Vitae: This should include all relevant academic and professional experiences, publications, and any other credentials that showcase the applicant's potential for success as a legal scholar and educator.
• Research and Writing Project Description: Applicants must submit a detailed description (up to four pages) of the research and writing project they plan to undertake during the fellowship. This project should be geared toward publication and demonstrate the applicant's capacity for producing high-quality legal scholarship.
• Statement of Interest: A separate statement (also up to four pages) should outline the applicant's interest in law teaching and legal scholarship. This statement should include a description of the fields in which the applicant plans to teach and conduct future research.
• Transcripts: Applicants must provide copies of all academic transcripts, including undergraduate, law school, and any graduate degrees.
• Letters of Reference: Two letters of reference are required, each addressing the applicant’s potential for success as a legal scholar and law teacher. These letters must be uploaded directly by the recommenders through Harvard Law School's online application system.

Application Deadline

The deadline to submit applications for the Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship is Thursday, October 3, 2024. Applicants must ensure that their application, along with both letters of reference, are submitted by this date to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Tips for Crafting a Strong Application

Given the competitive nature of the Lewis Fellowship, applicants should take the time to present a well-thought-out and compelling application. Here are some tips to help you stand out:

• Choose a Meaningful Research Topic: The research and writing project you propose should not only be relevant to your area of interest but should also address a pressing legal issue or contribute something new to the field. Harvard Law School is looking for scholars who can advance legal thinking and make a significant impact through their work.
• Demonstrate Commitment to Law Teaching: In your statement of interest, highlight your dedication to becoming a law professor. Show that you are passionate about educating the next generation of lawyers and that you have a clear vision of the subjects you would like to teach and the contributions you hope to make as an academic.
• Secure Strong Letters of Reference: Choose recommenders who know your academic potential and can speak to your abilities as a future legal scholar. These letters should highlight your intellectual curiosity, research skills, and readiness for an academic career.
• Follow All Application Instructions: Ensure that you submit all required materials by the deadline. Pay close attention to formatting requirements and double-check that your application is complete. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Selection Process

The selection of the Lewis Fellow is made by the Lewis Committee, a group of Harvard Law School faculty members. The committee will review all complete applications and select the candidate who demonstrates the most promise as a future law scholar and educator.

The selection process is rigorous and based on a variety of factors, including the quality and originality of the research project, the applicant’s academic achievements, their potential for contributing to legal scholarship, and their commitment to law teaching.

General Conditions of the Fellowship

The Lewis Fellow must adhere to the following conditions during the fellowship year:

• Residency: The fellow is required to be in residence at Harvard Law School for the academic year, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
• Work Schedule: The fellow is expected to follow a work schedule that includes research, writing, and participation in academic activities as agreed upon with the Lewis Committee.
• Research Output: The fellow must produce at least one major article for publication during the fellowship year.
• Participation in Workshops: The fellow is encouraged to audit courses and attend workshops to further their academic development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the stipend for the Lewis Fellowship? The annual stipend for the Lewis Fellow is $60,000.
2. Can the Lewis Fellow work part-time while holding the fellowship?  The fellowship is designed to allow the fellow to focus on their research and scholarship. Therefore, outside employment is discouraged unless approved by the Lewis Committee.
3. Is the fellowship open to international applicants?  Yes, the Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship is open to both U.S. and international law graduates.
4. Can I reapply if I am not selected?  Yes, applicants who are not selected may reapply in future years, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements.

The Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship at Harvard Law School offers a transformative opportunity for recent law graduates to immerse themselves in legal scholarship and prepare for a career in law teaching. With a generous stipend, access to world-class resources, and the chance to engage with top legal minds, the fellowship is a prestigious stepping stone toward a successful academic career. If you are passionate about legal scholarship and teaching, this fellowship could be the key to unlocking your future in academia. Apply now and take the first step toward becoming a leader in the legal field.

Click here to Apply Now. 

For any questions or additional information, please contact: LewisFellowship@law.harvard.edu.

To learn more and apply, visit Harvard Law School Official Application page.