Institute for Law & AI Summer Research Fellowship (Legal Frontiers)

About the opportunity

The Summer Research Fellowship (Legal Frontiers) at the Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) is a paid 10-week program running from June 14 to August 20, 2027. It offers law students, legal academics, and professionals the opportunity to conduct research at the leading edge of artificial intelligence, law, and policy. Fellows collaborate with an assigned mentor to execute tailored research projects, such as drafting policy reports or authoring law review articles, or contributing to larger LawAI research and advisory initiatives for governments and public institutions. Research focuses primarily on law-following AI and automated governance and the rule of law. The fellowship is remote-first, with optional in-person participation at LawAI workspaces in Cambridge, UK, or Washington, DC.

Funding and benefits

• Weekly subsidy based on location: $1,800 per week for fellows based in the United States, and £1,000 per week for fellows based in the European Union or United Kingdom (exceptional experience or qualifications may qualify for higher subsidies)
• Fully covered travel, accommodation, and meal expenses for the mandatory Convening Week in Washington, DC (June 21–25, 2027)
• Admission to the 2027 Workshop on Law-Following AI in Cambridge, UK, with eligible flights and accommodation covered
• Tailored research mentorship from LawAI research staff and affiliates
• Option to participate in person at LawAI's Cambridge, UK office or Washington, DC workspace, with additional stipends potentially available
• Q&A sessions with leading experts in AI law and policy
• Networking opportunities and career planning resources in law and policy
• Opportunities for future collaboration, including follow-on grant funding and potential roles with LawAI

Who can apply?

• Open to undergraduate law students in their final year (e.g., LLB, First State Examination), graduate law students (e.g., JD, LLM), PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, legal academics, and professionals transitioning into AI-focused roles
• Strong legal background, or an exceptional background in a related field (such as computer science, public policy, economics, history, philosophy, or psychology) with a clear articulation of how the research shapes AI law and policy
• Deep demonstrated understanding of the law and public policy of at least one core jurisdiction: the United States, the European Union, or the United Kingdom (applicants outside these jurisdictions considered only in exceptional cases)
• Candidates wishing to conduct technical research must secure their own qualified technical supervisor
• Commitment to full-time participation from June 14 to August 20, 2027
• Availability to attend the Convening Week in Washington, DC, from June 21 to June 25, 2027
• Valid visa or immigration permissions for the fellow's primary work location (LawAI makes reasonable efforts to assist with visa sponsorship where feasible)
• Prior AI-specific research experience is not required

Required documents

• Completed online Airtable application form (taking approximately 20 minutes)
• Statement of project preferences, research interests, and proposed topic alignment with LawAI priorities

When to apply

• Application deadline: January 29, 2027, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET)
• Asynchronous exploratory interviews (~20 minutes): scheduled following application review
• Research interviews (30–45 minutes): conducted with research staff
• Final decisions announced: by late March 2027
• Program dates: June 14 to August 20, 2027
• Washington, DC Convening Week: June 21 to June 25, 2027

How to apply

• Submit the official online application form via Airtable before the deadline on January 29, 2027, at 11:59 PM ET.
• Complete an asynchronous 20-minute exploratory interview sharing perspectives on AI development and legal and policy implications.
• Participate in a 30- to 45-minute live research interview with LawAI research staff to discuss research interests, program fit, and goals.
• Receive a final decision by the end of March 2027 (applicants requiring an expedited decision should indicate their date on the application form).

Additional information

• The program is remote-first, but fellows may work in person at LawAI's office in Cambridge, UK, or workspace in Washington, DC, subject to valid immigration permissions.
• Adjustments to fellowship start or end dates are considered only under exceptional circumstances, as full participation is strongly preferred.
• LawAI operates a Seasonal Fellowship referral program offering $1,000 to eligible individuals who refer a candidate who is subsequently hired.
• Applicants requiring disability-related accommodations or application support can contact programs@law-ai.org.