*NOTE: This position has been deemed critical/has specific funding, has been approved by the Law School for posting, and is exempt from the hiring freeze.
Rhode Center on the Legal Profession
Stanford Law School
About the Rhode Center
The Rhode Center on the Legal Profession is a leading research institution dedicated to studying the legal profession, legal institutions, and the lawyers who shape them. The Center brings together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and students to produce rigorous, impactful research with real-world relevance. The Center seeks to improve the civil justice system by expanding access to courts, increasing transparency in legal processes, and promoting integrity and accountability in litigation.
The Role
The Rhode Center Legal Scholar Fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity for lawyers who are interested in exploring the intersection of legal practice and legal scholarship. Past Fellows have produced cutting-edge scholarship on topics like litigation transparency, mass litigation governance, the market for contingency fees, and new methods of helping pro se litigants achieve fair case outcomes. This Fellowship is designed for lawyers transitioning from practice, the judiciary, government, or public interest work into an academic setting, as well as for J.D./Ph.D.s seeking to deepen and expand their scholarly portfolios before entering the teaching market.
The Fellow’s responsibilities will center on producing original, publishable scholarship with other Rhode Center staff and affiliates and supporting the Center’s research agenda across its core focus areas. The Fellow will also play an important role in mentoring and supervising the Center’s student fellows. The Fellow will work closely with the Center’s Faculty Co-Directors (Nora Freeman Engstrom and David Freeman Engstrom) and receive dedicated mentorship in developing their own research agenda. The Fellow will report directly to the Center’s Executive Director (Malka Herman).
Location & Work Agreement Expectations
This position is primarily on-site at Stanford Law School. While not a formal requirement, residence in the local area or a willingness to relocate is strongly preferred with a hybrid work agreement of at least 3 days of work on campus.
This is a one-year fixed-term position.
Core Responsibilities
• Research: Produce and publish original scholarship on issues engaging the legal profession, civil justice, or the Center’s core focus areas; write and edit proposals, peer-reviewed publications, and other program materials under the general direction of the Faculty Co-Directors.
• Collect and analyze data and research on the operation and effectiveness of the civil justice system; formulate recommendations to achieve the goals of the Center’s research agenda.
• Manage and coordinate small teams of researchers on academic and public-facing work. This may include evaluating academic programs, making recommendations that impact policies and programs, and coordinating and implementing changes aligned with the Center’s mission.
• Lead the Center’s student fellows program. Coordinate with and mentor Rhode student fellows, providing guidance on research projects, offering substantive feedback on written work, and supporting their professional development.
• Represent the Center as a subject matter expert and develop communications for internal and external constituencies.
• Lead, organize and participate in outreach activities such as research workshops and conferences that bring together judges, practitioners, policymakers, and scholars.
• Assist with the development of research grants, including identifying new funding opportunities, writing portions of grant applications, and summarizing data for grant support.
• Participate in the intellectual life of Stanford Law School, with the possibility of teaching or co-teaching a course or seminar in the Fellow’s area of expertise.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
J.D. or Ph.D required. Other academic credentials (LL.M., S.J.D.) are welcome but not required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Demonstrated oral, written, and analytical skills, exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.
• Ability to oversee and provide basic direction to staff.
• Close attention to detail.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with and mentor others.
• An interest in developing a scholarly research agenda.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit the following materials electronically:
Review of applications will take place on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials as early as possible within the application window.
We recognize that no single candidate will possess every qualification listed above, and we encourage individuals with relevant experience and a strong interest in the Center’s work to apply.
The expected pay range for this position is $90,694-$108,963 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and the external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Track your opportunities.
My Submissions School of Law, Stanford, California, United States
📁 Administration
Post Date: Mar 03, 2026
School of Law, Stanford, California, United States
📁 Administration
Post Date: Feb 20, 2026
School of Law, Stanford, California, United States
📁 Administration
Post Date: Nov 14, 2025
I love that Stanford is supportive of learning, and as an education institution, that pursuit of knowledge extends to staff members through professional development, wellness, financial planning and staff affinity groups.
Nora Cata
School of Engineering
I get to apply my real-world experiences in a setting that welcomes diversity in thinking and offers support in applying new methods. In my short time at Stanford, I've been able to streamline processes that provide better and faster information to our students.
Phillip Cheng
Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Besides its contributions to science, health, and medicine, Stanford is also the home of pioneers across disciplines. Joining Stanford has been a great way to contribute to our society by supporting emerging leaders.
Denisha Clark
School of Medicine
I like working in a place where ideas matter. Working at Stanford means being part of a vibrant, international culture in addition to getting to do meaningful work.
Laura Lind
Office of the President and Provost
Join Stanford in shaping a better tomorrow for your community, humanity and the planet we call home.