Scholarship Overview
Overview
The Reginald F. Lewis Fellowship is a prestigious research fellowship at Harvard Law School designed for recent law graduates who demonstrate strong potential for legal scholarship and aspire to careers in law teaching. Named after Reginald F. Lewis, a 1968 Harvard Law School graduate who became the first African American to build a billion-dollar company, this fellowship honors his legacy of excellence and breaking barriers.
The fellowship provides a structured environment for developing scholarly work, with access to Harvard Law School’s resources, faculty, and academic community. Fellows spend their year in residence at Cambridge, Massachusetts, producing publishable research while preparing for the academic job market.
People Also Checked: Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027-2028: Complete Guide for African Applicants (Fully Funded)
About Reginald F. Lewis
Reginald F. Lewis was a pioneering African American businessman and philanthropist. Shortly before his death in 1993, he made the largest grant in Harvard Law School’s history at that time. The school’s International Law Center was renamed in his honor. Lewis founded TLC Beatrice Foods International and authored the memoir Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun? His wife, Loida Nicolas-Lewis, continues to support this fellowship through their family’s generosity.
Fellowship Details
Duration and Dates
- Term: July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028
- Appointment commencement: July 1, 2027
- Residency requirement: Full academic year residence at Harvard Law School required
Financial Support
- Annual stipend: $60,000
- No additional funding details are specified in the official announcement
Core Responsibilities
- Prepare at least one major article for publication
- Follow an agreed schedule of research and work with the Lewis Committee
- Maintain residence at Harvard Law School during the academic year
- Audit courses and attend workshops at the law school
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must hold one of the following degrees at the time of application:
People Also Checked: Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program 2027: Complete Guide (Fully Funded)
- J.D. (Juris Doctor)
- LL.M. (Master of Laws)
- S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science)
The fellowship specifically targets candidates who have demonstrated a strong interest in legal scholarship and are preparing for a career in law teaching. There are no nationality restrictions stated, making this opportunity open to qualified African applicants including those from Zimbabwe and the SADC region.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following materials:
People Also Checked: Harris Social Impact Fellowship 2027-2028: Complete Guide for STEM Graduates (Fully Funded)
- Comprehensive résumé or curriculum vitae
- Research and writing project description (maximum four pages): Detailed description of the research and writing project to be undertaken with a view to publication during the Fellowship
- Statement of interest (maximum four pages): Statement addressing your interest in law teaching and legal scholarship, including description of the fields in which you expect to teach and pursue scholarship
- Copies of all transcripts
- Two letters of reference addressing your potential for success as a legal scholar and law teacher
Important: Submit only what is required above. Additional materials will not be considered.
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Prepare your documents: Draft your research proposal and teaching statement within the four-page limits. Gather transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Secure recommenders: Identify two referees who can speak to your potential as a legal scholar and law teacher. Inform them of the deadline well in advance.
- Complete online application: Submit your application through Harvard Law School’s online portal.
- Ensure recommenders submit directly: Letters of recommendation must be uploaded directly by recommenders through the online application process—not sent by the applicant.
- Verify completeness: Confirm that your application and both letters of reference are submitted by the deadline. Only complete applications will be considered.
Application Deadline
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Both the application and both letters of reference must be submitted by this date. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Contact Information
For questions about the fellowship or application process:
Email: LewisFellowship@law.harvard.edu
Tips for African Applicants
For applicants from Zimbabwe, South Africa, and across the SADC region, consider these strategies:
- Highlight comparative legal expertise: African legal systems offer unique perspectives that can enrich global legal scholarship
- Demonstrate teaching commitment: Document any prior teaching experience, including guest lectures, tutorial leadership, or mentorship
- Connect research to global relevance: Frame your proposed research to show how it contributes to international legal discourse
- Secure strong referees: Ideal recommenders include law professors who know your scholarly work and can assess your teaching potential
- Plan for visa and relocation: Begin researching J-1 or other appropriate visa categories early, as U.S. immigration processes can be lengthy
What Happens After Selection
Selected Lewis Fellows will:
- Relocate to Cambridge, Massachusetts by July 1, 2027
- Meet with the Lewis Committee to establish a research and work schedule
- Begin intensive research on their proposed article
- Integrate into Harvard Law School’s academic community through course auditing and workshop attendance
- Prepare for the law teaching job market with mentorship from Harvard faculty
