PhD Positions in Law and Regulation

The PhD Positions (Job Description)

The PhD in Law and Regulation is a fulltime program taught in English and is designed to pursue PhD research at the intersection of law, social sciences, business and technology within the Law and Tax research department. This vibrant academic environment allows you to grow as researchers and obtain jobs in top academic upon graduation.  

The PhD in Law and Regulation is an intensive scholarly program aiming to attract outstanding global students with the highest level of ambition. It offers a tailored learning journey, which combines methodological and substantive training, as well as close, interdisciplinary supervision.  

Research focuses 

The Law and Tax Department conducts research at the intersection of law, social sciences, business and technology. Its faculties’ research spans across multiple legal fields such as corporate and tax law, European and transnational law, and fundamental rights, and covers topics such as sustainability and corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusiveness, law and economics, artificial intelligence and the blockchain, financial regulation, and governance.

Research seminars

The department currently hosts three research seminar series: The Law and Regulation Series -- The Law, Society & AI Seminar Series -- The Law and Economics Research Series.

Two Tracks 

The PhD in Law and Regulation offers two alternative PhD tracks: 

• The 3-year doctoral studies track is open to students holding a master’s degree in law. In year one, students are required to take 100 hours of courses choosing from a wide range of legal and non-legal courses. They also work on their research paper-based dissertation as from year one. 
• The 5-year studies track (two phases) is open to students holding at minimum a bachelor’s degree (either Bachelor of Law or other bachelor degree with minimum exposure to legal studies). 
  Phase 1: In year one and two, students take courses for up to 120 ECTS and will graduate with the master’s in management sciences while working on defining their PhD dissertation subject. 
  Phase 2: In the following three years students work on their research paper-based dissertation as from year one.

Read more about the curriculum here. 

In both tracks, we encourage academic exchanges with the world’s leading business schools and support research presentations in academic conferences.  

Who we look for

Built on a strategy of excellence, the HEC Paris PhD Program, known for its small size, aims to attract outstanding and motivated future PhD students with a clear ambition to become top researchers in international academic institutions. 

We welcome applications from candidates of all nationalities who 

• hold a university degree in the field of legal studies
• are fluent in English
• have an outstanding academic record
• are highly motivated to study at one of the world's best research business schools.

How to apply

When applying, applicants must choose their track according to their academic background in legal studies.

• Track 1 (5 years studies, Master and Doctoral studies): Bachelor or Master
• Track 2 (3 years Doctoral studies): Master

A two-step application process:

• Evaluation of applications and selection of shortlisted applicants. The shortlist is published approximately 2 - 3 weeks after the application deadline.
• Interview of shortlisted applicants (in-person or online). Admission results are published within 5 - 6 weeks after the application deadline. 

All applicants are required to follow our online application process. To apply, click on the 'Apply' button. 

A complete online application should include the following: 

• Degree certificate(s) or current enrollment certificate in legal studies
• All official academic transcripts obtained in a higher education institution
• Personal statement motivating your choice of pursuing a PhD in Law and Regulation
• Résumé (CV)
• Optional Research material that may support your application (dissertation, paper, research work, ...)
• TOEFL or IELTS or Cambridge test score report*
• 2 completed online reference forms from professors
• Proof of ID
• Non-refundable application fee of €60. 

* English test exemption is granted to:

• Native English speakers
• Applicants who studied a university degree of minimum two years in English may apply for exemption. 

Application deadline: 16 April 2023. 

Financing and conditions

Every admitted student (without any condition of academic background or nationality) will benefit for up to 5 years from: 

• Living stipend: 25000€/year*
• Tuition: 100% exemption
• Additional funding for visiting positions
• Additional funding for research project. 

The financing is conditional on academic progress and will be evaluated in June of every year. Remaining fee of approximately 400€/year for the Doctoral school (starting in first year of Phase 2) has to be paid by the student. 

*Teaching assistance, grading assistance and teaching are not a requirement to receive the living stipend. Hence, they come as extra income. 

Start Date

Successfully admitted applicants are appointed on a full-time basis for a duration up to five years. The PhD position is intended to start 1 September 2023. 

The campus

A place of excellence, a place of diversity, a place of community. HEC Paris has one of the largest campuses in Europe. Its academic, leisure and sports facilities offer students the holistic life you would expect from a world-class institution. Each HEC PhD student benefit from this excellent study environment, optional campus accommodation and dedicated PhD offices. 

Any question? 

HEC PhD office

Email: doctorat@hec.fr

Website: The PhD in Law and Regulation 

About the Tax and Law Department

The Law and Tax Department comprises of 12 professors and a team of affiliates who conduct research and are involved in teaching and supervising throughout all programs of HEC Paris, spanning the Grande Ecole, the MBA, the Executive Education, and the PhD program. The Department also runs three full time programs: an LLM in International Management and Law, a Major in International Taxation and Legal Strategy, and a Major in European Business Law and Global Affairs. These programs offer lively and hands-on courses to law students in collaboration with major Parisian and international law firms, companies and civil society organizations. Department website  

About HEC Paris

HEC Paris, founded in 1881, consistently ranks among the top research institutions in business, specialized in education and research in management. As a leading academic institution in Europe and worldwide, HEC Paris offers a complete range of selective programs for students and business leaders. The HEC Paris Faculty is dedicated to pushing the frontier of knowledge by actively engaging in research, publishing articles in top academic journals with an international audience and participating in national and international academic conferences.