Program in Law and Public Affairs (LAPA) Fellowship at Princeton University

The Program in Law and Public Affairs (LAPA) at Princeton invites outstanding faculty members of any discipline, independent scholars, lawyers, and judges to apply for residential fellowships for 2020-2021. LAPA Fellows devote the major portion of their time to their own research and writing on law-related subjects of empirical, interpretive, doctrinal and/or normative significance. In addition, LAPA Fellows are expected to be in residence for 10 months and participate in LAPA programs, including a biweekly seminar, a weekly luncheon discussion group, as well as some public events and conferences. The program does not support, as a primary activity, off-site fieldwork or work in remote archives, development of course materials, work in legal practice, or residence elsewhere.  For more information on LAPA, see http://lapa.princeton.edu/).

Fellows may apply to teach one course in Princeton’s graduate or undergraduate programs, subject to the needs of the University, sufficient enrollment, approval of the Dean of the Faculty, and the cooperation of the sponsoring academic department.

Financial Support for Fellows

As a general rule, Fellows receive a research salary of one-half their ten month salary at their home institution, up to a maximum set each year before selection is made. This means that some support will be lower than one half of an actual salary for those at the high end of a salary spectrum. LAPA will pay at least a minimum research salary in an amount determined each year. If approved to teach, a Fellow will hold a secondary teaching rank that will be based on the Fellow’s home institution rank and salary rate. Teaching opportunities are not guaranteed.

Fellows may also apply for funding from additional sources so long as receipt of the funds does not interfere with the LAPA requirements.

Selection Criteria

All applicants must have received a doctorate, juris doctor, or an equivalent professional degree at the time of submission of the fellowship application. The selection committee looks particularly closely at the proposal outlining the research and writing to be conducted while in residence at Princeton. Successful LAPA applicants should demonstrate substantial expertise in law-related matters. The committee is composed of Princeton faculty members representing LAPA's three funding sources, WWS, UCHV, and the University. They evaluate applicants on the basis of the quality of their achievements in their field of specialization and their ability to benefit from the activities of the program; the quality and significance of their proposed projects; the future contributions they are likely to make to legal scholarship and practice; and their ability to contribute to intellectual life in legal studies at Princeton. In selecting fellows, the committee may consider how each individual will contribute to the fellows' cohort as well as to the program. For additional details regarding the application process and requested information see http://lapa.princeton.edu/content/how-apply. 

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS 11:59 PM (EST) NOVEMBER 13, 2019.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

How to apply

Complete the on-line application (click here).  Please note:

• You may, but need not, include a short personal statement containing information you would like the committee to consider.  Do not submit a cover letter.

Upload the following:

• A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
• A description of the research project that you plan to pursue at Princeton. This statement may be up to 2,000 words and should include the contribution of your project to the literature on the subject and your qualifications to pursue the topic, including your past work.
• The name and email address of the two individuals who you have asked to provide letters of recommendation (no more than two).  They will be notified by email and provided with a link to upload the letter through the online application system.  Your reviewers should submit these letters by Wednesday, November 20.
• OPTIONAL:  If you would like to teach one course in the undergraduate or graduate programs, you should submit a brief description of the course including objectives, student audience, content and organization, and student assignments. The decision on teaching, which rests with the Dean of Faculty, will be made following fellowship selection.  You will be asked for a more detailed description and syllabus prior to final approval. 

Inquiries about the program should be directed to lapa@princeton.edu.