Visiting Fellow – Project on Judicial Transitions and the Rule of Law
Position Overview
The Neukom Center for the Rule of Law at Stanford Law School seeks a Visiting Fellow to lead the Project on Judicial Transitions and the Rule of Law. This innovative initiative, launched in partnership with the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law, will serve as a global hub connecting cutting-edge scholarship with practical policy implementation to support countries transitioning from authoritarianism to democracy through judicial reform and strengthening of the rule of law. This position is a one-year term position with the possibility of renewal, dependent on funding and at the discretion of Neukom Center leadership.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
● Provide overall intellectual and operational leadership for the Project on Judicial Transitions and the Rule of Law
● Develop and implement the project's strategic vision, research agenda, and impact goals
● Serve as the primary liaison between Stanford Law School's Neukom Center and the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law
● Represent the project in engagements with funders, academic institutions, government officials, and international organizations
Research & Scholarship
● Working in partnership with Neukom Center and Bingham Centre leadership, establish and chair a working group of leading international scholars and researchers on judicial transitions
● Direct a comprehensive review and synthesis of existing scholarship on judicial transitions
● Identify critical research gaps and priority questions for investigation
● Oversee the development of research projects addressing identified questions
● Contribute original scholarship to the field through publications, policy papers, and reports
Practice & Policy Implementation
● Establish and maintain partnerships with country-specific task forces composed of judicial leaders, policymakers, and reform advocates
● Facilitate knowledge transfer between academic research and practical implementation in transitioning jurisdictions
● Convene workshops, conferences, and working sessions bringing together scholars and practitioners
● Develop policy recommendations and best practice frameworks for judicial transition processes
● Provide expert consultation to countries undertaking judicial reforms
Network Building & Collaboration
● Build and maintain a global network of scholars, judges, policymakers, and civil society organizations
● Foster collaboration between academic researchers and on-the-ground practitioners
● Cultivate relationships with international organizations (UN, Council of Europe, OAS, etc.)
● Engage with judicial training institutions and democracy support organizations
Resource Development & Management
● Support fundraising efforts and grant writing to sustain and expand the project
● Ensure effective coordination between Stanford and Bingham Centre teams
Qualifications
Required
● Ph.D. in Law, Political Science, International Relations, or related field, or J.D. with extensive post-graduate research experience
● Minimum 10 years of experience in comparative constitutional law, judicial reform, democratic transitions, or related fields
● Demonstrated record of influential scholarship on courts, judicial independence, rule of law, or democratic governance
● Proven ability to lead complex, multi-institutional projects
● Experience working across cultures and in international contexts
● Exceptional communication skills for academic and policy audiences
● Fluency in English; additional languages highly desirable
Strongly Preferred
● Direct experience working on judicial reform or democratic transition in one or more countries
● Established network of contacts among international scholars and practitioners in the field
● Experience engaging with policymakers, judges, and government officials
● Track record of successful fundraising and grant management
● Prior leadership role in a major research institute, center, or international organization
● Publications in top-tier academic journals and policy venues
Desired Competencies
● Strategic vision combined with operational excellence
● Ability to synthesize complex academic research for policy audiences
● Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in diverse political contexts
● Diplomatic skills for engaging with stakeholders across ideological and national boundaries
● Commitment to academic rigor and empirical research
● Strong project management and team leadership capabilities
● Comfort operating in ambiguous, rapidly evolving contexts
Appointment Details
Position Type: One-year term, renewal dependent on funding and at the discretion of Neukom Center leadership
Location: Primary residence at Stanford Law School (Stanford, CA) with regular engagement at the Bingham Centre (London, UK); international travel required
Application Materials
Interested candidates should submit:
● Short cover letter describing qualifications and vision for the project
● Curriculum vitae
The expected base pay range for this position is $90,000-$100,000.
Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position at the time of hire. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Track your opportunities.
My Submissions School of Law, Stanford, California, United States
📁 Academic
Post Date: Feb 20, 2026
School of Law, Stanford, California, United States
📁 Academic
Post Date: Dec 12, 2025
I love that Stanford is supportive of learning, and as an education institution, that pursuit of knowledge extends to staff members through professional development, wellness, financial planning and staff affinity groups.
Nora Cata
School of Engineering
I get to apply my real-world experiences in a setting that welcomes diversity in thinking and offers support in applying new methods. In my short time at Stanford, I've been able to streamline processes that provide better and faster information to our students.
Phillip Cheng
Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Besides its contributions to science, health, and medicine, Stanford is also the home of pioneers across disciplines. Joining Stanford has been a great way to contribute to our society by supporting emerging leaders.
Denisha Clark
School of Medicine
I like working in a place where ideas matter. Working at Stanford means being part of a vibrant, international culture in addition to getting to do meaningful work.
Laura Lind
Office of the President and Provost
Join Stanford in shaping a better tomorrow for your community, humanity and the planet we call home.