About

Robert L. Nelson

Robert L. Nelson is a sociologist of law whose research focuses on the legal profession, workplace inequality, and the institutional role of law.

He is Professor of Sociology at Northwestern University and has held an adjunct appointment in the School of Law since 1998. At the American Bar Foundation, he serves as MacCrate Research Chair in the Legal Profession.

His work includes books on the legal profession and anti-discrimination law, including The Making of Lawyers’ Careers, Rights on Trial, Urban Lawyers, and Legalizing Gender Inequality. He has also led major collaborative research projects, most notably After the JD, a longitudinal study tracking the careers of lawyers over time.

Appointments

  • Professor of Sociology, Northwestern University

  • Adjunct Professor, Northwestern University School of Law

  • MacCrate Research Chair in the Legal Profession, American Bar Foundation

Education

  • Ph.D. in Sociology, Northwestern University

  • M.A. in Sociology, Northwestern University

  • J.D., Northwestern University School of Law

  • B.A. in Sociology, Northwestern University