If you’re a passionate legal scholar aspiring to enter academia, the Columbia Law School Academic Fellows Program 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity to accelerate your research and teaching career at one of the world’s most prestigious law institutions. Based in New York City, this fully-funded fellowship supports promising early-career academics with research support, teaching opportunities, and unmatched access to Columbia’s extensive resources and mentorship.

About Columbia Law School

Ranked among the top 5 law schools globally, Columbia Law School (CLS) is a leader in legal education and scholarly research. Situated in New York City, it offers unmatched access to the global legal market, policymaking centers, and a rich intellectual environment. The Academic Fellows Program builds upon Columbia’s tradition of fostering the next generation of legal scholars through mentorship, rigorous research, and advanced teaching methods.

Columbia Law School Academic Fellows Program 2026 Overview

Feature	Details
Fellowship Name	Academic Fellows Program 2026
Host Institution	Columbia Law School, Columbia University, New York
Program Type	Academic Fellowship for Legal Scholars
Duration	2 years (option for 3rd year)
Start Date	July 1, 2026
Application Open Date	September 1, 2025
Application Deadline	Rolling basis (early submission encouraged)
Location Requirement	Residency in New York during academic year
Teaching	Legal Research & Writing (LL.M. or J.D. sections)

Scholarship Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Eligibility for Columbia University housing
• Full health and fringe benefits
• Dedicated research budget
• Office space and access to all research facilities
• Weekly Fellows Workshop for academic development
• Faculty mentorship and teaching guidance
• Mooted job talks through the Careers in Law Teaching Program
• Option to pursue graduate legal study with tuition exemption
• Strong academic community and peer collaboration

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Columbia Law School Academic Fellows Program 2026, applicants must:

• Hold a law degree (JD or equivalent)
• Demonstrate strong scholarly potential through a writing sample
• Submit a research and teaching agenda
• Provide academic transcripts from all law schools attended
• Upload a curriculum vitae (CV)
• Provide a cover letter outlining interest in the fellowship
• Submit up to three letters of recommendation: Two of which must be from professors familiar with your research potential
• Be committed to teaching excellence, as Legal Research & Writing is a teaching requirement in the fall

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply:

• Submit your application online via this application link
• Prepare the following documents in PDF format:
  • Cover Letter
  • CV
  • Research & Teaching Agenda
  • Scholarly Writing Sample
  • Official Transcripts
  • Up to 3 Recommendation Letters
• Ask your recommenders to submit letters directly to: [email protected] (if not uploading)
• University reviews applications on a rolling basis. Early submission is highly recommended.

Comparison with Similar Opportunities

Feature	Columbia Academic Fellows	Harvard Climenko Fellowship	NYU Emerging Scholars Program
Duration	2–3 years	2 years	2 years
Teaching Requirement	Yes (Legal Writing)	Yes (Legal Writing)	Yes (Legal Research)
Research Support	Yes	Yes	Yes
Faculty Mentorship	Strong	Strong	Strong
Housing Option	Yes	No	No
Stipend/Salary	Competitive	Competitive	Competitive
Application Mode	Online	Online	Online

FAQs About Columbia Law School Academic Fellows Program 2026

1. What is the Columbia Law School Academic Fellows Program?
   It’s a 2-year (extendable to 3) legal academic fellowship offering research support, teaching opportunities, and faculty mentorship for aspiring law professors.
2. Is the program fully funded?
   Yes, it includes a competitive salary, housing eligibility, health insurance, research budget, and more.
3. What qualifications do I need to apply?
   Applicants must have a law degree and show strong scholarly potential through writing, teaching, and research plans.
4. Do I need prior teaching experience for Academic Fellows Program USA 2026?
   Not mandatory, but you should include any teaching experience in your research and teaching agenda.
5. What teaching will I be doing?
   Fellows teach Legal Research and Writing in the fall semester to small sections of JD or LL.M. students.
6. Can international candidates apply?
   Yes, Columbia encourages applications from international and underrepresented scholars.
7. What kind of writing sample should I submit?
   A scholarly article or paper that reflects your ability to generate original ideas and strong analytical skills.
8. Is there a deadline for applications?
   Applications open on September 1, 2025, and are accepted on a rolling basis, so early application is advised.
9. What support will I receive during the job market?
   You’ll get mooted job talks, faculty feedback, and access to the Careers in Law Teaching Program.
10. Where will I live during the fellowship?
    You’re expected to reside in New York. Fellows are eligible for Columbia University housing options.

If you’re serious about entering academia and want to develop your research in one of the most intellectually vibrant legal communities in the world, the Columbia Law School Academic Fellows Program 2026 is your gateway. Start preparing now, submit early, and shape your future as a legal scholar! APPLY NOW.