Visiting Scholars Program 2027-28 at the Center for the Study of Law and Society, UC Berkeley School of Law, California (Self-Funded; PhD or JD Holders)

The Center for the Study of Law and Society (CSLS) at the University of California, Berkeley is closely linked to Berkeley Law and fosters empirical research and theoretical analysis concerning legal institutions, legal processes, legal change and the social consequences of law. It brings together socio-legal scholars in sociology of law, political science, criminal justice studies, law and economics, legal history, law and psychology, and legal and social philosophy, along with visiting socio-legal scholars from the United States and around the world.

CSLS is accepting new applications to its Visiting Scholars Program (and for Visiting Student Researchers) for the 2027-2028 academic year from 11 September 2026 to 2 March 2027. The Center notes that applications for Visiting Student Researchers are only rarely approved and that it generally does not accept them.

• Library privileges at the Law School and at all campus libraries.
• An invitation to the weekly CSLS Speaker Series, workshops and scholarly exchanges.
• UC Berkeley campus privileges, such as athletic facilities and permission to audit classes.
• When possible, shared or other office space and use of computer, internet and other facilities.

• Applicants normally must possess a Ph.D. or J.D. (or foreign equivalent).
• The proposed research or study must be of mutual interest to faculty members at CSLS and should address one or more of the three themes that are the focus of CSLS scholarship: (1) criminal justice, (2) inequality, (3) democracy and civil society.
• Applicants must be proficient in English. UC Berkeley requires international scholars to document English proficiency through a recognised test (such as TOEFL or IELTS), signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school, or a documented interview.
• CSLS hosts visiting socio-legal scholars from the United States and around the world; international applicants must also meet UC Berkeley and US federal requirements for J-1 exchange visitors.

• A full curriculum vitae.
• A letter describing the proposed programme of research or study, specifying the time period you wish to be in residence at the Center, explaining how it addresses one or more of the three CSLS themes, and describing the empirical aspects of the research.
• International applicants must indicate their source of funding while visiting Berkeley, for example sabbatical pay, a scholarship, government funding or personal funds.

These requirements are in addition to UC Berkeley campus and US federal requirements for visitors.

The Center considers applications for periods ranging from one semester (fall and/or spring) to the full academic year. Applications submitted only for the summer months are not competitive, as Center programming takes place during the fall and spring semesters. A scholar who intends to leave before the end date on the DS-2019 form must submit a request two months before the appointment end date.

This is a self-funded position. The Center states that it cannot offer stipends or other financial assistance. All fees and paperwork are required and non-negotiable, and paid fees are refunded only if the candidate's application is rejected. Fees are subject to change.

• CSLS fee for Visiting Scholars: USD 3,500 for up to six months, or USD 7,000 for up to one year (Visiting Student Researchers: USD 2,500 up to six months, USD 5,000 up to one year).
• University Service Fee: USD 750 for the first year (USD 1,000 for a visiting student researcher), rising to USD 1,500 for a second year (USD 2,500 for a visiting student researcher), collected by the Visiting Scholars and Postdoc Affairs office.
• DS-2019 processing fee for foreign visitors needing a J-1 visa: USD 850.
• Minimum monthly funding for J exchange visitors: USD 2,000 for the J-1 scholar, USD 600 for a J-2 spouse and USD 400 for each J-2 child.

Prepare the curriculum vitae and research letter described above and follow the instructions on the official CSLS Visiting Scholars page. The page does not publish a separate online application form; inquiries, including on how to submit, may be made to CSLS at csls@law.berkeley.edu. Specific questions may be directed to the CSLS Executive Director, Pamela Erickson, at pamelaerickson@berkeley.edu. Application results will be sent to applicants in mid-March 2027. Visiting scholars should avoid changing their arrival dates; a one-time change is allowed.