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Crissonna Tennison

Jul 22
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Former LSA President Laura Beth Nielsen to Serve as the American Bar Foundation’s New Executive Director

By News

The Law and Society Association is thrilled to share that the American Bar Foundation has selected former LSA President Laura Beth Nielsen to serve as its new Executive Director! Nielsen, who holds a joint appointment with Northwestern University, has been an ABF Research Professor for more than twenty-five years. Her tenure begins on September 1, 2026.

Professor Nielsen has been an important leader in the LSA community for multiple decades. Prior to her 2021 – 2023 presidential term, she served as the Board Secretary (2011 – 2013) and a Board Trustee (2001 – 2004). The current Ronald Pipkin Service Awardee, she has also received the LSA Stan Wheeler Mentorship Award (2018), Article Prize (2002), Dissertation Prize (2000), and Graduate Student Paper Prize (1999). Professor Nielsen’s consistent investment in LSA’s success has been critical for, among other things, establishing the LSA endowment and securing funding for the ABF/LSA Doctoral Fellowship in Law and Inequality.

To learn more about this historic appointment, visit the American Bar Foundation website.

Jul 02
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Call for Applications: Michele Bratcher Goodwin Fellowship in Law and Society

By News

The Law and Society Association is excited to continue the work of the Michele Bratcher Goodwin Fellowship in Law and Society, an initiative designed to deepen graduate student engagement in the Association’s work and Global Meeting planning, while offering valuable professional development and mentorship opportunities.

We are now accepting applications for two graduate student fellows to begin a two-year term during Fall 2026. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in academic conference planning, strengthen your service portfolio, and receive mentorship from senior members of the LSA community.

Program Benefits and Goals

  • Gain direct experience in academic conference planning.
  • Serve as full members of the Program Committee.
  • Build leadership skills and develop as future LSA leaders.
  • Receive mentorship from senior LSA members and staff.
  • Contribute to the continuity and institutional memory of the Program Committee by mentoring incoming fellows during your second year.
  • Receive a $2,000 annual stipend
  • Receive up to $750 to help offset travel to the Global Meeting on Law and Society

Eligibility

  • Advanced PhD or JD students who have completed coursework in law and society or related fields.
  • Prior engagement with LSA (e.g., Annual Meeting attendance, CRN participation) is preferred.
  • Applicants should be available to serve a two-year term beginning in Fall 2026.

Fellow Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the Program Committee and LSA staff on Global Meeting on Law and Society planning.
  • Participate in Program Committee meetings and support key planning decisions.
  • Review submissions and assist in panel formation.
  • In their second year, help mentor and onboard new Fellows.

Application Process

Fellows will be selected through a competitive application process reviewed by the LSA President, Program Chair(s), and Executive Officer. Applications are due by August 24th, 12PM Eastern (US). Please upload a combined pdf that includes an updated CV and a letter of interest. Please include contact information for two faculty members at the end of your letter of interest.

For questions, please contact lsa@lawandsociety.org.

Submit Applications Here >>

The Law and Society Association is housed at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.