Knowledge powers the pursuit of justice.
- News
October 23, 2024
As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, the work of American Bar Foundation Research Professor Traci Burch takes on heightened importance in understanding how voter eligibility verification systems impact political participation—especially for marginalized communities. With over a decade of research experience at the intersection of criminal justice and… Read More
American Bar Foundation
We conduct research that explores the intersection of
law and society—to expand knowledge and advance justice.
Our groundbreaking research is used to:
Spark conversations
about the world's
most pressing issues
most pressing issues
Shape law and policy
by informing lawmakers,
practitioners, and the judiciary
practitioners, and the judiciary
Influence societies
in the U.S. and
across the world
across the world
Featured Research
- Newsletters
Discounting Life: Necropolitical Law, Culture and the Long War on Terror
In this edition of Researching Law, Jothie Rajah discusses her book Discounting Life, at the ABF Fellow’s CLE Seminar at the 2023 ABA Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado.
Read More
In the News
- News
ABF Unveils 2024-2029 Strategic Plan to Expand Knowledge and Advance Justice
September 27, 2024
The American Bar Foundation (ABF) is pleased to announce the adoption of its 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, aimed at furthering its mission to expand knowledge and advance justice through sociolegal research. Formally adopted in July 2024, the plan builds on the ABF’s more than seven decades as the world’s leading… Read More
- Access To Justice
- News
The ABF Access to Justice Research Initiative Launches Early Career Workshop with First Cohort of Scholars
September 12, 2024
The American Bar Foundation’s (ABF) Access to Justice Research Initiative is a hub for innovative research that connects… Read More
- News
The ABF Welcomes Four New Members to its Board of Directors
September 11, 2024
The American Bar Foundation (ABF) has elected four new board members to its Board of Directors. Hon. Dolly M. Gee, Hon. Read More
Featured Events
February 12, 2025
Ombudsperson, Northwestern University
More information coming soon!
Hybrid: Virtual/In-Person
(ABF Offices, 750 N Lake Shore Drive, 4th Floor Chicago, IL)
Upcoming Events
More
History, University of Chicago
More information coming soon!
Hybrid: Virtual/In-Person
(ABF Offices, 750 N Lake Shore Drive, 4th Floor Chicago, IL)
Sociology and International and Public Affairs, Brown University
More information coming soon!
Hybrid: Virtual/In-Person
(ABF Offices, 750 N Lake Shore Drive, 4th Floor Chicago, IL)
Featured Researcher
Stephen Daniels
ABF Research Professor Emeritus
Stephen Daniels is a Research Professor Emeritus at the American Bar Foundation. His ABF research project, Alternative Legal Professionals, examines legal technician programs, which license non-lawyers to practice certain aspects of law in a limited capacity with the goal of expanding access to legal services at a more affordable cost. In this feature, Daniels discusses how this concept emerged, spread, and continues to evolve across multiple states.
- Podcasts
Episode 8: Season One Finale: When Law Meets Society
The season finale of Season 1 of Whose Law is it Anyway explores the impact of ABF's research with our Executive Director, Ajay K. Mehrotra.
- Videos
ABF Access to Justice Program Video
Watch to learn more about the ABF/JPB Foundation Access to Justice Scholars Program.