2010-2011 VERNON L. SMITH
LL.M. FELLOWSHIP IN
LAW & ECONOMICS

The Chapman University School of Law and the Economic Science Institute (ESI) invite applications for the Vernon L. Smith LL.M. Fellowship in Law & Economics for 2010-11. The Fellowship is designed to encourage the award winner to pursue study and research in law, economics, business and related fields, and to pursue theoretical, empirical, and or applied research which uses the laboratory method of inquiry to expand the understanding of human socioeconomic behavior, in keeping with the Institute's mission to study the function and origin of human institutions in creating social rules and order and to build and test market and management systems..

Features of Vernon L. Smith LL.M. Fellowship

• Full tuition grant for enrollment in the 24 credit LL.M. program at Chapman University School of Law (grant period not to exceed 12 months).
• A Faculty Mentor/Advisor from the Economic Science Institute to assist with the student’s anticipated research program.
• Office work space, computer facilities, and library privileges.
• Opportunities to present Work-in-Progress at the ESI or Law School.
• Eligibility for ESI stipends for assisting with the research of the ESI.
• Eligibility for ESI grants for travel to present academic research.
• The possibility of serving as a teaching assistant with members of the ESI in an undergraduate or J.D. course for additional compensation (depending on the applicant's background, experience, and teaching interests and the University’s needs).
• Participation in the intellectual life of the ESI and the Law School.

The Fellow will be expected to complete the following requirements during the scholarship period:
• Core courses in “Law & Economics” and “Spontaneous Order & the Law” (or show completion of substantially similar coursework within the preceding 3 years).
• At least one semester of Directed Research on a project approved by an ESI faculty advisor.
• At least one semester of engagement as a research assistant in the ESI (or other relevant internship or practical experience as approved by an ESI faculty advisor).
• 12 credits in related seminars (or other upper division JD or Economics courses) as approved by an ESI faculty advisor.

The Fellow will be expected to participate in ESI programs, including:
• the ESI Graduate Student Workshop in Experimental Economics in January 2011 (small additional stipend available for participation).
• Vernon L. Smith High School Workshop in Experimental Economics, conducted each summer in July (additional stipend available for participation).
• assisting in supervising the ESI Summer Intern Program (additional stipend available for participation).

Application Procedure

Applications must be received by Wednesday, March 31, 2010 and should be submitted in hardcopy or electronically (Word doc or pdf) to:

LL.M. Programs (c/o Olivia Hayes)
Chapman University School of Law
One University Dr.
Orange CA 92866
Email: llm@chapman.edu

Applications should consist of:
    
• A completed LL.M. application form (available at /law/programs/LLM_Emphasis.asp )
• A cover letter including a statement of academic or professional interests
• A current resume/c.v. including a list of all major research projects or publications
• A statement of research interests (not more than 2,000 words)
• A writing sample based on a substantial research project
• Two letters of reference discussing the applicant's ability to successfully meet the program requirements

The Fellowship period will begin in either June or August  2010 (depending on the candidate’s availability) and would be for a 12 month non-renewable period, although an additional stipend may be available from the ESI for participation in ongoing research projects.

Click here for more information about the Economic Science Institute.

Inquiries about the Smith Fellowship application procedures and other logistical questions may be directed to:

Ronald Steiner, Ph.D., J.D.
Director of Graduate Programs
Chapman University School of Law
One University Dr.
Orange CA 92866
Phone: 714-628-2635
Email:  steiner@chapman.edu 

Inquiries about the ESI and other substantive questions relating to scholarship and research may be directed to:

Bart J. Wilson, Ph.D.
Donald P. Kennedy Chair in Economics and Law
Economic Science Institute, Chapman University
One University Dr.
Orange CA 92866
Phone: 714-628-7306
Email:  bjwilson@chapman.edu