Knowledge powers the pursuit of justice.
- News
August 12, 2025
The American Bar Foundation (ABF) has appointed Natacha Nsabimana and Alana Ackerman, both scholars in anthropology, to join its community as Research Professors beginning fall 2025. These scholars will join a robust community of researchers advancing understandings of law and society through empirical and interdisciplinary research. … 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
In the News
- Fellows
- News
Rachel F. Moran to Receive 2026 Outstanding Scholar Award
January 7, 2026
Rachel F. Moran has been honored with the 2026 Outstanding Scholar Award from the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation (ABF). Moran will be recognized during the 70th Annual Fellows Awards Reception and Banquet, which will be held in San Antonio, Texas, on Friday, February 6. The Outstanding Scholar Award is… Read More
- Fellows
- News
Stephen A. Bain and Joi G. Kush to Receive 2026 Outstanding State Chair Award
January 7, 2026
Stephen A. Bain and Joi G. Kush have been honored with the 2026 Outstanding State Chair Award from the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation. Bain and Kush are the Fellows State Cochairs of Colorado. They will be recognized during… Read More
- Fellows
- News
William C. Hubbard to Receive 2026 Outstanding Service Award
January 7, 2026
William C. Hubbard has been honored with the 2026 Outstanding Service Award from the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation (ABF). Hubbard will be recognized during the 70th Annual Fellows Awards Reception and Banquet, which will be held in San Antonio, Texas, on Friday, February 6. … Read More
Featured Events
January 28, 2026
Criminal Law, Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law
"Perceived Fairness and Excess in Asset Forfeiture"
Hybrid: Virtual/In-Person
(ABF Offices, 750 N Lake Shore Drive, 4th Floor Chicago, IL)
Upcoming Events
More
Anthropology, University of Illinois, Urbana- Champaign
What is the Rule of Law and Can it be saved: Lessons from the European Court of Human Rights
Hybrid: Virtual/In-Person
(ABF Offices, 750 N Lake Shore Drive, 4th Floor Chicago, IL)
Criminal Law, Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law
"Perceived Fairness and Excess in Asset Forfeiture"
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 former Executive Director, Ajay K. Mehrotra.
- Videos
Shaping the Future of Sociolegal Research: ABF Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships
Watch to learn more about the ABF Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships.