March 02, 2026
The Law Commission of Canada (LCC) is accepting applications to its Emerging Scholars Program for the Spring / Summer 2026 term.
Program Description
The Law Commission of Canada Emerging Scholars Program recognizes doctoral candidates as emerging scholars in law and law reform. The Program provides support over a five-month period to doctoral candidates in law, law and society, or other related disciplines at a Canadian university.
Through the program, the LCC offers doctoral candidates an opportunity to share their research through community engagement. This may take the form of educational workshops, podcast episodes, community group roundtables, etc. In keeping with the LCC’s mission and orientations, Emerging Scholars are encouraged to foster a public understanding of law and justice while completing their doctoral thesis projects.
LCC Emerging Scholars receive $10,000 CAD. The LCC aims to support up to four scholars per term.
Program Components
The amount awarded to LCC Emerging Scholars is paid out for the delivery of five program components:
(1) Participation in a virtual presentation to the LCC of their dissertation project;
(2) Preparation of a detailed concept note of their proposed community engagement activity;
(3) Implementation of a community engagement activity as part of the LCC’s program of outreach and engagement;
(4) Preparation of a reflection paper that incorporates insights and takeaways from their community engagement activity, as well as connections between their research and potential directions for the LCC; and
(5) Participation in a virtual round table in March 2027 hosted by the LCC, which will include the Fall/Winter cohort of emerging scholars.
Parameters and Process
Candidates for the LCC Emerging Scholars Program must be students enrolled in a doctoral program at a Canadian university who are in the final writing stage of their thesis project.
For the purposes of this program, the final writing stage is understood to mean that applicants will submit their full thesis within twelve months of the Emerging Scholars application deadline.
Deadline: March 27, 2026
Applications should be submitted to projects-projets@lcc-cdc.gc.ca
Please submit the application, consisting of the following elements, for the LCC’s consideration by :
• Your curriculum vitae, indicating your current year and stage in your PhD program.
• 1,000-word (maximum) description of your doctoral thesis:
o Your research questions, methodology, theoretical framework, and anticipated impact on Canadian law and society; and
o Connections between your thesis and the work and approach of the LCC.
• 1,000-word (maximum) proposal for your community engagement contribution to the LCC:
o A concept note that describes your vision, rationale, objectives, and an implementation plan.
• Names and contact information of two referees, including your doctoral supervisor.
For additional information, please visit the LCC website.