LawAI Summer Research Fellowship 2027

The Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) is inviting applications for its Summer Research Fellowship 2027 under the Legal Frontiers programme. This paid research fellowship offers participants the opportunity to explore important legal and policy questions arising from advances in artificial intelligence.

LawAI is an independent think tank researching the intersection of artificial intelligence, law and public policy. Its work supports the development of legal frameworks and governance approaches that help ensure AI technologies are beneficial, safe and consistent with the rule of law.

The fellowship is designed for law students, researchers, academics and professionals interested in contributing to research on AI governance and legal systems.

Participants will collaborate with assigned mentors to develop research projects suited to their experience, interests and career objectives.

Projects may involve producing academic papers, policy reports, legal research or contributions to LawAI's ongoing research and advisory activities.

Research Areas

The Legal Frontiers programme focuses primarily on two areas:

• Law-Following AI
• Automated Governance and the Rule of Law

Applicants may also propose relevant interdisciplinary research involving comparative law, legal history, law and economics, empirical legal studies and related approaches.

Programme Structure

• The fellowship runs for 10 weeks, from 14 June to 20 August 2027.
• It is primarily remote, allowing fellows to undertake research while collaborating with the wider LawAI team.
• Participants are expected to work full-time, attend regular team meetings, present research when appropriate and provide feedback on other research projects.
• The programme also includes an in-person Convening Week in Washington, DC, scheduled for 21–25 June 2027.
• Fellows will additionally receive admission to the 2027 Workshop on Law-Following AI in Cambridge, UK.
• Opportunities for extended in-person participation at LawAI's Cambridge or Washington, DC workspaces may be available, subject to specific conditions and immigration permissions.

Applicants should consider the following official eligibility expectations:

• Most successful candidates have a strong legal background.
• Exceptional applicants from related disciplines, including computer science, public policy, economics, history, philosophy and psychology, may also be considered.
• Applicants from non-legal fields should explain how their research could contribute to law and public policy concerning advanced AI.
• Most successful candidates have a strong understanding of law and public policy in the United States, European Union or United Kingdom.
• Applicants without expertise in those jurisdictions may be considered in exceptional circumstances.
• Candidates should have an interest in artificial intelligence, law and public policy.
• Previous AI-specific research experience is not required.
• Applicants should be able to participate full-time from 14 June to 20 August 2027.
• Candidates should be able to attend Convening Week in Washington, DC, from 21–25 June 2027.
• Applicants proposing technical research must arrange their own qualified technical supervisor.
• Participants must hold appropriate immigration permission for their intended location.

Who Can Apply?

LawAI identifies previous fellowship participants from backgrounds such as:

• Final-year undergraduate law students.
• LLM and JD students.
• PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers.
• University academics and law professors.
• Professionals interested in transitioning into AI law, policy, government, academia or industry.

Selected fellows receive financial support and professional development opportunities.

Weekly Financial Support

• US-based fellows: $1,800 per week.
• UK/EU-based fellows: £1,000 per week.
• Applicants with exceptional experience or qualifications may qualify for higher subsidies.

Washington, DC Convening Week

Eligible expenses for the 21–25 June 2027 event include:

• Return flights or other eligible travel expenses.
• Accommodation.
• Meals.

Cambridge Research Workshop

Selected fellows receive:

• Admission to the 2027 Workshop on Law-Following AI.
• Eligible travel expenses.
• Covered accommodation expenses.

Research and Career Benefits

• Individual mentorship from LawAI researchers and affiliates.
• Opportunities to develop academic and policy research.
• Expert Q&A sessions.
• Professional networking with researchers and policy specialists.
• Career planning resources.
• Potential future research collaborations and grant opportunities.
• Possible opportunities for additional in-person participation at LawAI workspaces.

Visa Assistance

LawAI states that it will make reasonable efforts to support visa sponsorship for selected candidates who need it.

However, assistance depends on the individual applicant and location, and visa approval remains subject to the relevant immigration authorities.

The official fellowship page directs candidates to an online application form but does not publish a complete list of compulsory uploaded documents.

Applicants should be ready to provide information requested through the official form, particularly regarding:

• Academic and professional background.
• Research interests.
• Relevant legal or policy experience.
• Interest in LawAI's research priorities.
• Proposed research direction, where applicable.

LawAI considers applicants' suitability for its research programme, particularly:

• Strength of legal or relevant interdisciplinary background.
• Understanding of relevant law and public policy.
• Interest in AI governance and legal research.
• Ability to connect research interests with LawAI's mission.
• Relevant academic, research or professional experience.
• Potential fit with available research projects and mentorship.
• Full-time availability and ability to attend Convening Week.
• Performance during the exploratory and research interviews.

• Contribute to emerging research on artificial intelligence, law and governance.
• Gain experience developing academic research or policy-focused work.
• Receive individual mentorship from experienced researchers.
• Connect with international legal scholars and AI policy specialists.
• Participate in professional events in Washington, DC and Cambridge.
• Build research capabilities relevant to academia, policy organisations and the technology sector.
• Explore future collaborations and career pathways in AI governance.