March 4, 2004

Nelson named American Bar Foundation director

Robert L. Nelson, professor of sociology, who has done extensive research on the changing legal profession and award-winning work on discrimination and the law, has been named the director of the American Bar Foundation (ABF), effective Sept. 1.

Robert L. Nelson

Nelson, a senior research fellow and the Robert and Connie MacCrate Chair in the Legal Profession at the American Bar Foundation, will succeed Bryant G. Garth, who has served as ABF director for 14 years. Garth will remain at the ABF as a senior research fellow.

The recipient of a J.D. and a Ph.D. in sociology from North-western, Nelson also has a courtesy appointment at the School of Law. He is a former chair of the University’s sociology department and the founding director of the Center for Legal Studies, a joint enterprise of the AFB and Northwestern.

“Bob will be missed at the Center for Legal Studies — where he has greatly influenced both undergraduate- and graduate-level programs,” said David Van Zandt, dean of the School of Law.

“The American Bar Foundation is the premier institution doing empirical research on law in the United States, and Northwestern has a number of faculty members who have ABF appointments. The relationship between the ABF and Northwestern, which also is known for its empirical research on law and legal institutions, is bound to grow even stronger.“

During his directorship Nelson will retain his appointment at Northwestern, work with students and teach up to a course a year as his schedule allows.

“Bob is a fantastic choice by the ABF,” said Daniel I. Linzer, dean of the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. “He has a compelling vision for how law and social sciences, research and education all combine.”

In 2000, Nelson’s book “Legalizing Gender Inequality: U.S. Courts, Markets and Unequal pay for Women” (with William Bridges) received the Distinguished Publication Award from the American Sociological Association for best book in sociology.