About SDRI
The State Democracy Research Initiative at the University of Wisconsin Law School (SDRI) is a leading source of cutting-edge research and expertise on state-level democracy, state constitutions, and state government institutions—subjects too often neglected in legal and policy circles.
Through scholarly publications, white papers, explainers, amicus briefs, interactive websites, informal consultations, conferences, and public-facing events, SDRI reaches academics, courts, policymakers, advocates, journalists, and others. Our work facilitates and shapes dialogue on state democracy and contributes to the diffusion of pro-democratic practices and policies across states.
Position Summary
SDRI is seeking applicants for sponsored fellowships—including but not limited to the Justice Catalyst or Equal Justice Works Fellowship—to begin work in the Fall of 2025. SDRI is seeking applicants interested in focusing on state constitutional law and the work of state courts. Fellowships will be time-limited for one or two-year terms.
While we are open to exploring other projects, we are specifically seeking a fellow to advance large-scale research projects such as our ongoing 50 Constitutions website, an interactive resource that seeks to boost state constitutional literacy by offering searchable, user-friendly access to the text of every state constitution as well as historical materials and other tools. Among other things, a fellow working on this project will help expand the website’s Tracking Constitutional Change function, which allows users to see how state constitutions have evolved over time and provides narrative detail on notable constitutional developments. We have already begun developing these features, including in our pilot state of Wisconsin, and we plan an ongoing state-by-state rollout.
If interested, please contact SDRI’s Executive Director Bree Grossi Wilde at bgwilde@wisc.edu. In your email, please describe your interest in partnering with SDRI in pursuing fellowships and attach a resume and transcript.