The American Bar Foundation (ABF) is a renowned research institute dedicated to promoting a more just and equitable society through a deep understanding of the law. Through rigorous empirical research, the ABF explores the intersection of law and society, generating actionable insights that impact millions of people every day. With a staunchly independent and interdisciplinary approach, the ABF produces nonpartisan research that shapes laws, informs policies, and influences society at large.

In addition to its research endeavors, the ABF fosters a robust intellectual community and cultivates the next generation of scholars through its fellowship programs. The organization also publishes Law and Social Inquiry, a quarterly journal that encourages conversations around pressing issues across various disciplines. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the ABF primarily receives funding from the American Bar Endowment and the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation, who are legal professionals dedicated to the highest principles of the legal profession.

The ABF also receives grants for individual research projects from national agencies. Governed by a distinguished board of directors, the ABF remains an independent organization, ensuring its research projects maintain academic freedom and objectivity. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the ABF values diverse voices and perspectives in its research, aiming to inform the public and policymakers alike