The University of California, Berkeley Center for the Study of Law and Society (CSLS) is accepting applications for its Visiting Scholars Program for the 2027–2028 academic year. The program welcomes established researchers whose work examines legal institutions, legal processes, legal change, and the social consequences of law. Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year will be accepted from September 11, 2026, through March 2, 2027. Application results are expected to be communicated in mid-March 2027. About the Visiting Scholars Program The CSLS Visiting Scholars Program provides researchers with an opportunity to spend an academic period at UC Berkeley and engage with a multidisciplinary community of socio-legal scholars. The Center is closely affiliated with Berkeley Law and brings together researchers working across sociology of law, political science, criminal justice, law and economics, legal history, law and psychology, legal philosophy, and related disciplines. Visiting scholars can participate in the Center’s intellectual activities while developing research projects that connect with CSLS’s areas of scholarly interest. Research Themes Applicants are expected to propose research or study that is of mutual interest to CSLS faculty and addresses at least one of the Center’s three principal research themes: Criminal justice Inequality Democracy and civil society Applicants should also describe the empirical dimensions of their proposed research where applicable. Program Benefits Visiting scholars may receive access to a range of UC Berkeley academic and campus resources, including: Library privileges at Berkeley Law and other campus libraries Invitations to the weekly CSLS Speaker Series Access to workshops and scholarly exchanges UC Berkeley campus privileges Permission to audit selected classes Access to athletic facilities Shared or other office space when available Computer and internet facilities when available Opportunities to interact with Berkeley faculty and visiting scholars from around the world The program provides an environment for researchers to develop their scholarship while engaging with an international academic community. Eligibility Requirements Applicants normally must hold a PhD or JD, or a foreign equivalent. Prospective applicants should also review UC Berkeley’s broader Visiting Scholar and Visiting Student Researcher requirements. The CSLS generally does not accept Visiting Student Researchers, and such applications are only rarely approved. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed research or study aligns with the Center’s academic interests and should identify the period they wish to spend in residence. Application Requirements Applicants must submit a complete application containing: A full curriculum vitae A detailed research or study proposal The proposed period of residence at CSLS An explanation of how the research relates to one or more CSLS research themes A description of the empirical aspects of the proposed research International applicants must additionally provide evidence of how they will finance their stay in Berkeley. Possible funding sources include sabbatical salary, scholarships, government funding, or personal funds. English Language Requirements Applicants must have sufficient English proficiency to participate effectively in CSLS activities. International scholars must provide documentation of English proficiency to UC Berkeley. Acceptable evidence may include: A recognized English-language examination such as TOEFL or IELTS Documentation from an academic institution or English-language school A documented interview conducted in person or through video conferencing, or by telephone where video conferencing is not possible Applicants should consult UC Berkeley’s international visitor requirements for current documentation standards. Program Duration CSLS considers applications for periods ranging from one semester to a full academic year, including fall and/or spring semester placements. Applications requesting residence only during the summer are generally not competitive because much of the Center’s programming takes place during the fall and spring semesters. Funding and Fees The CSLS Visiting Scholars Program is not a funded fellowship and does not provide stipends or financial assistance. Applicants are responsible for securing sufficient funding for their stay. International scholars should be prepared to meet Berkeley’s financial requirements for J-1 exchange visitors. The stated minimum monthly funding requirement is US$2,000 for the J-1 scholar, plus US$600 for a J-2 spouse and US$400 for each J-2 child. Additional program and campus fees apply. For Visiting Scholars, CSLS charges: US$3,500 for stays of up to six months US$7,000 for stays of up to one year A Berkeley campus University Service Fee of US$750 applies during the first year. A separate US$850 DS-2019 processing fee is also charged for foreign visitors requiring the document for a J-1 visa. Fees are subject to change and applicants are responsible for confirming current charges before applying. Application Timeline Program: CSLS Visiting Scholars Program Institution: University of California, Berkeley Center: Center for the Study of Law and Society Academic Year: 2027–2028 Application Opens: September 11, 2026 Application Deadline: March 2, 2027 Results: Mid-March 2027 Location: Berkeley, California, USA How to Apply Eligible researchers should prepare their CV, research proposal, proposed residence period, funding information, and other required documentation before submitting an application through the UC Berkeley Visiting Scholars process. Applicants should ensure that their proposed research clearly demonstrates a connection to CSLS scholarship and one or more of its core themes. International applicants should also secure adequate financial resources to cover program, campus, immigration, accommodation, living, and other associated expenses. 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