Job Description
Yale Law School offers a fully funded Ph.D. in Law program, specifically designed for individuals who have already earned a J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school and aspire to careers in legal academia. This program provides an alternative pathway to law teaching, emphasizing the development of original legal scholarship.
Program Overview
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Degree: Ph.D. in Law
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Institution: Yale Law School
The Ph.D. in Law program is structured to be completed over three academic years and two summers. The curriculum includes:
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Coursework: Up to six courses tailored to the student’s research interests.
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Pro-Seminar: A two-semester seminar focusing on legal scholarship and methodologies.
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Comprehensive Examinations: Both written and oral exams to assess the student’s mastery of their chosen field.
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Dissertation: An original scholarly work, which may be a traditional monograph or a series of three law review articles.
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Teaching Experience: Opportunities to gain classroom teaching experience.
Students receive guidance from a three-member faculty advisory committee throughout the program. While the program is designed for completion in three years, extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis, though funding beyond the third year is not guaranteed.
Funding Package
All admitted Ph.D. in Law students receive comprehensive financial support, which includes:​
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Full Tuition Waiver: Covers all tuition costs.
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Living Stipend: Provides financial support for living expenses.
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Health Insurance: Includes Yale Basic Health coverage and a Health Award covering hospitalization and specialty care.
Financial support is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress.
Admission Requirements
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Educational Background: A J.D. degree from an accredited U.S. law school is required.
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Application Materials:
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Personal Statement: 500–1,000 words detailing motivations and qualifications.
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Research Proposal: Approximately 1,000 words outlining the proposed dissertation project.
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Writing Sample: A scholarly legal writing sample, not exceeding 30 published pages (approximately 15,000 words).
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Letters of Recommendation: Typically three, attesting to the applicant’s academic and research capabilities.
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Transcripts: From all post-secondary institutions attended.
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Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing academic and professional experiences.
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Applicants must submit their applications through Yale University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences application portal.
