Apply now Apply Now

Centre for Justice and Law Reform The Centre for Justice and Law Reform at the Law Society of Ireland invites applications from suitable candidates who wish to undertake impactful, policy‑relevant legal research with real potential to shape public debate and influence reform. This one-year Research Fellowship offers a uni platform for experienced academics and legal practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise, expand their professional networks, and produce a substantive, publication‑ready monograph that contributes meaningfully to legal scholarship and make a tangible impact on the development of the justice system.

About the Centre for Justice and Law Reform

The Centre for Justice and Law Reform has been established by the Law Society of Ireland to influence the development of the justice system and shape law reform in key areas by conducting and publishing evidence-based research, engaging with policy makers, and advocating for the implementation of reforms.

Research focus is currently grouped into four main areas:

- Access to Justice;

- Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights;

- Democratic Norms; and

- Evolving Legal Services. 

About the fellowship

The Centre for Justice and Law Reform intends to award the Fellowship annually to an experienced researcher or legal professional.

The appointed Fellow will conduct original legal research into an agreed topic that aligns with the Centre’s thematic priorities. The Fellow will produce a substantive monograph based on their research findings, contributing to ongoing public discourse and legal scholarship. They may also publicly present their research, ensuring wide dissemination and impact. 

The Research Fellowship presents a unique opportunity to:

- Pursue research into an area of law and / or policy.

- Leverage the Centre’s and the Law Society’s extensive networks, gaining access to influential figures across the legal profession and more broadly.

- Present research findings and reform recommendations to high-impact audiences, ensuring that the resulting monograph has the potential to contribute to ongoing debate and influence policy development.

Primary conditions

- The Fellowship will be awarded for the delivery of specific research milestones within a 12-month period. At the conclusion of the 12-month period, the Fellow is required to submit a monograph that is authoritative and grounded in comprehensive, methodologically robust research drawing on credible, verifiable, and appropriately referenced sources.

- The Fellow will not be an employee of the Law Society and will have full discretion to determine their own working hours with flexibility for the research work to be undertaken on either a full-time or part-time basis, subject to agreement prior to commencement.

- The Fellow will carry out research on a topic that has been agreed in advance with the Centre for Justice and Law Reform.

- Throughout the Fellowship, the Fellow will be expected to adhere to the Centre’s requirements on research ethics and values, ensuring the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

- Research outputs will be produced and delivered as agreed between the parties over the one-year term of the Fellowship.

- While the Fellow will enjoy access to the Centre for Justice and Law Reform’s research resources and the Law Society’s library, the Fellowship does not include provision of office space or equipment.

- Payment will be made on foot of invoices submitted by the Fellow following delivery of the agreed research outputs, by prescribed deadlines up to a total fee of €20,000.

The Centre for Justice and Law Reform at the Law Society of Ireland invites applications from suitable candidates who wish to undertake impactful, policy‑relevant legal research with real potential to shape public debate and influence reform. This one-year Research Fellowship offers a unique platform for experienced academics and legal practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise, expand their professional networks, and produce a substantive, publication‑ready monograph that contributes to legal scholarship and has a tangible impact on the development of the justice system. 

How to apply  

The Law Society of Ireland, acting through the Centre for Justice and Law Reform, is the contracting authority. 

Research proposals

Proposed research topics should fully align with one of the Centre for Justice and Law Reform’s four research themes, which are set out in the Programme of Research. Examples include:

- Strategic lawsuits against public participation.

- Economic, social, and cultural rights.

- Prenuptial agreements.

Candidates are invited to submit a research proposal of no more than 500 words, which should include:

- The title of the proposed research topic;

- The rationale for selecting the topic;

- The intended scope and a description of the anticipated research output;

- An indicative timeline of key milestones and dates on the journey to completion of the monograph; and

- A proposed methodology.

Applicants should submit the following by email to CJLR@lawsociety.ie:

- Research proposal and an up-to-date CV.

- A shortlisted candidate may be asked to provide the contact details of two referees. 

General eligibility requirements:

Candidates must demonstrate that they possess the requisite expertise to conduct the required research and deliver a mono‑ graph to the required standard. This may be evidenced by one or more of the following:

- Successful completion of a postgraduate legal qualification (minimum master’s level);

- Significant professional experience with a strong research component;

- A proven record of publishing research outputs in academic and/or reputable media outlets;

- Substantial practical legal expertise relevant to the proposed area of research.

Given the specialised nature of the research, the Centre for Justice and Law Reform requires that the core research and authorship will be carried out solely by the Fellow.

Applicants must also be legally entitled to provide services in Ireland and are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory, tax, immigration, and other legal requirements.

The Law Society of Ireland and the Centre for Justice and Law Reform will accept no responsibility for any costs incurred in formulating or presenting proposals.

Any conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest must be fully disclosed. Should any such association or conflict of interest emerge during the application process, it should be immediately disclosed to the Centre for Justice and Law Reform and confirmed in writing by email to the relevant point of contact. 

Applications should be submitted via email to CJLR@lawsociety.ie with the subject-line ‘Research Fellow 2026’.

Applications must be submitted by 11 May 2026.

The contracting authority may invite a shortlist of candidates to attend an interview. Participation in such interviews will form part of the overall assessment of applications.

Back to Jobs