The University of Michigan Law School, USA, has invited abstracts for its 13th Annual Junior Scholars Conference 2027, scheduled for 26 and 27 March 2027 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The conference welcomes applications from PhD scholars, postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, teaching fellows and early-career law faculty members from across the world.
Selected participants will have an opportunity to present their legal research and receive feedback from faculty members of the University of Michigan Law School.
The university will cover conference registration and event fees. Additional financial assistance for travel and accommodation may also be available to participants who lack other funding.
The last date for submitting abstracts is 5 December 2026. <Cite ref=”turn180457view0″/>
About the University of Michigan Law School
The University of Michigan Law School is a leading law school located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States.
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The conference provides a platform for researchers to discuss their work, receive comments from experienced faculty members and develop connections within the international legal academic community.
About the Junior Scholars Conference 2027
The 13th Annual Junior Scholars Conference will bring together selected early-career scholars working across different areas of law.
Participants will present their research before fellow scholars and University of Michigan Law School faculty members.
The conference is intended to encourage academic discussion, improve research projects and support collaboration between researchers.
Applicants from institutions worldwide are welcome.
The organisers particularly encourage submissions from scholars working on or based in the Global South and from groups traditionally underrepresented in academia.
Who Can Apply?
The conference welcomes applications from graduate students and candidates pursuing SJD, JSD or PhD degrees.
Postdoctoral researchers, lecturers and teaching fellows are also eligible.
Assistant professors and associate professors who have not yet received tenure may apply, provided they have not held an academic position for more than four years.
Indian PhD scholars and eligible early-career law faculty members can apply, as the conference accepts international submissions.
Research Areas
The conference has issued a general call for papers rather than restricting submissions to one particular legal theme.
Selected applicants will be placed in thematic panels based on their research interests.
Previous editions have included research presentations on international law, comparative law, constitutional law, criminal law, corporate law, legal theory, gender and law, public law, private law and law and technology.
Researchers working on other areas of law may also apply if their work meets the conference’s academic requirements.
Abstract Submission Requirements
Applicants must submit an abstract of not more than 500 words.
The abstract should describe a new and unpublished research project that the applicant wishes to present.
Candidates must also briefly explain the nature and current status of their research.
The proposed work may be an ongoing research project, a completed article, a dissertation chapter or a book chapter.
Applicants must submit a copy of their CV mentioning their academic affiliation.
All documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format.
The organisers have prescribed a file-naming format using the applicant’s surname, first name and document type.
For example, an abstract may be named DOE – JANE – ABSTRACT.
Selection Process
The University of Michigan Law School has stated that selection for the conference is highly competitive.
According to the organisers, approximately 5% of applicants were selected in previous editions.
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee.
The committee will consider the academic quality and originality of the proposed research and its connection with the scholarship of Michigan Law faculty members.
Selection decisions are expected to be communicated by 18 December 2026.
Selected applicants will need to submit their final papers by 1 March 2027.
Registration Fee and Financial Assistance
Conference registration and event fees will be covered by the Center for International and Comparative Law at the University of Michigan Law School.
The Centre also offers supplementary financial assistance towards travel and accommodation for participants who do not have other sources of funding.
Applicants seeking financial assistance must submit a separate written request through the online application form.
The request should mention their city of departure, estimated travel costs and other expected expenses.
Applicants should also disclose whether they have access to funding from their university, government or another organisation.
Financial assistance is not described as automatic or guaranteed.
The organisers have clarified that conference invitations are decided without considering applicants’ financial needs.
Conference Dates and Venue
Conference: 13th Annual Junior Scholars Conference
Organiser: University of Michigan Law School
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Conference Dates: 26–27 March 2027
Mode: In-person
Important Dates
Abstract Submission Deadline: 5 December 2026
Selection Decisions: 18 December 2026
Final Paper Submission Deadline: 1 March 2027
Conference Dates: 26–27 March 2027
How to Apply
Interested researchers must submit their applications through the official online submission portal.
Applicants should upload their abstract and CV in Microsoft Word format.
Those seeking financial assistance must also submit a separate funding request with the required expense details.
Official Conference Announcement: https://michigan.law.umich.edu/junior-scholars-conference
Application Portal: https://juniorscholarsconference.law.umich.edu/
Last Date to Apply
The last date for submitting abstracts to the University of Michigan Law School’s 13th Annual Junior Scholars Conference is 5 December 2026.
The conference will take place in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on 26 and 27 March 2027.
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