Applications are now open for the Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) Summer Research Fellowship 2027, a paid 10-week programme for researchers, law students, professionals, academics and exceptional candidates from related disciplines interested in the rapidly developing intersection of artificial intelligence, law and public policy.
The Summer Research Fellowship – Legal Frontiers runs from June 14 to August 20, 2027 and is structured as a remote-first fellowship. Fellows will also participate in an in-person Convening Week in Washington, DC, from June 21–25, 2027, with eligible travel expenses including flights, accommodation and meals covered.
Funding is substantial. Fellows based in the United States receive a US$1,800 weekly subsidy, while fellows based in the UK or EU receive £945 per week. Candidates with exceptional experience or qualifications may be eligible for higher subsidies.
Applications must be submitted by January 29, 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | LawAI Summer Research Fellowship – Legal Frontiers |
| Organization | Institute for Law & AI |
| Field | Artificial Intelligence, Law and Public Policy |
| Duration | 10 weeks |
| Fellowship Dates | June 14 – August 20, 2027 |
| Main Format | Remote-first |
| Convening Week | Washington, DC |
| Convening Dates | June 21–25, 2027 |
| US Weekly Subsidy | US$1,800 per week |
| UK/EU Weekly Subsidy | £945 per week |
| Travel Support | Eligible travel expenses for specified programme events |
| Deadline | January 29, 2027 at 11:59 PM ET |
| Commitment | Full-time |
| Visa Support | Reasonable efforts to support sponsorship where applicable |
| AI-specific experience required? | No |
| Selection Decision | Expected by end of March 2027 |
About the Institute for Law & AI
The Institute for Law & AI, commonly known as LawAI, is an independent think tank researching legal and policy challenges created by advances in artificial intelligence.
Its work sits at the intersection of:
- Artificial intelligence
- Law
- Public policy
- AI governance
- Security
- Rule of law
- Emerging technologies
LawAI conducts research and provides advice to governments, international organizations, public institutions and private-sector actors.
Its broader objective is to help ensure that major advances in artificial intelligence contribute to safety, security, welfare and the rule of law.
What Is the LawAI Summer Research Fellowship?
The Summer Research Fellowship is designed to give fellows an opportunity to conduct substantive research at the intersection of AI, law and public policy.
Each fellow works with an assigned mentor to develop and execute a project tailored to their:
- Experience
- Skills
- Research interests
- Professional goals
Some fellows may undertake one major research project, such as preparing a report or law review article.
Others may contribute to several ongoing LawAI projects, including research and advisory work involving governments, nonprofit organizations and private-sector institutions.
Fellows have considerable scope to shape their research, but projects should generally support LawAI’s mission of ensuring that major developments in AI promote safety, security and the rule of law.
What Are the Legal Frontiers Research Areas?
The Legal Frontiers programme is particularly interested in developing new legal and policy approaches to advanced artificial intelligence.
Current areas of research include:
Law-Following AI
This area considers how AI systems can be designed and governed in ways that respect and comply with legal requirements.
Automated Governance and the Rule of Law
Research can also examine how increasingly capable AI systems may interact with governance institutions, legal processes and rule-of-law principles.
LawAI is interested in applicants who can introduce useful interdisciplinary or methodological approaches, including areas such as:
- Originalism
- Empirical legal studies
- Law and economics
- Legal history
- Comparative legal studies
Candidates can also propose other topics that have a clear connection with LawAI’s research priorities.
Is the LawAI Summer Research Fellowship Remote?
Yes. The 2027 Legal Frontiers Summer Research Fellowship is remote-first.
This is an important distinction from LawAI’s separate Summer Fellowship – US Law and Policy, which strongly encourages fellows to spend the summer in Washington, DC.
Legal Frontiers fellows may participate remotely while also having opportunities for in-person participation with LawAI teams in:
- Washington, DC, United States
- Cambridge, United Kingdom
Additional stipends may potentially be available for in-person participation where the relevant conditions are met.
However, all Legal Frontiers Summer Research Fellows are expected to attend the programme’s Convening Week in Washington, DC from June 21–25, 2027.
LawAI Summer Research Fellowship 2027 Financial Benefits
The fellowship provides substantial financial support, although the exact subsidy depends on where the fellow is based.
Weekly Subsidy
LawAI states that Summer Research Fellows receive:
US-based fellows: US$1,800 per week
UK/EU-based fellows: £945 per week
Candidates with exceptional experience or qualifications may potentially receive higher subsidies.
For a fellow receiving the standard US rate for all 10 weeks, the weekly subsidies would total approximately:
US$18,000 over 10 weeks
This calculation refers to the standard weekly subsidy and does not include the value of covered eligible travel or other programme benefits.
Washington, DC Convening Week
Fellows are invited to a dedicated Convening Week in Washington, DC from June 21–25, 2027.
Eligible expenses are covered, including:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Meals
Attendance at this Convening Week is part of the fellowship eligibility requirements.
2027 Workshop on Law-Following AI
Legal Frontiers Summer Research Fellows also receive admission to the 2027 Workshop on Law-Following AI in Cambridge, UK.
LawAI states that eligible travel expenses for this event include:
- Flights
- Accommodation
Mentorship
Fellows receive close mentorship from LawAI research staff and affiliates.
This provides an opportunity to develop research with people working directly on emerging legal and policy questions surrounding advanced AI.
Expert Sessions
Participants can take part in Q&A sessions with leading experts working in relevant areas.
Networking Opportunities
The fellowship provides networking and professional-development opportunities within law, public policy and AI governance.
Career Planning
Fellows can access career-planning resources relevant to careers in:
- AI policy
- Law
- Government
- Research
- Academia
- Think tanks
- Technology policy
Future Collaboration
LawAI says fellows may also have opportunities to explore future collaboration through:
- Follow-on research grants
- Invitations to future events
- Research projects
- Potential LawAI job opportunities
Who Can Apply for the LawAI Summer Research Fellowship?
LawAI expects many successful applicants to have a strong legal background, but the fellowship is not exclusively limited to lawyers.
Exceptional candidates from related disciplines may also be considered.
Relevant backgrounds can include:
- Law
- Computer science
- Public policy
- Economics
- History
- Philosophy
- Psychology
Applicants from non-legal disciplines should be able to explain clearly how their research could positively influence the development of law and public policy for advanced artificial intelligence.
Candidates proposing technical research are responsible for identifying their own qualified technical supervisor.
Do You Need Previous AI Research Experience?
No.
Previous experience or expertise specifically in AI research is not required.
However, candidates should demonstrate an interest in AI, law and policy and be prepared to use their research abilities and subject knowledge to investigate questions relevant to the field.
This means applicants should not automatically disqualify themselves simply because they have never previously published research specifically about artificial intelligence.
Legal and Policy Knowledge Requirements
Most successful applicants are expected to demonstrate a deep understanding of the law and public policy of at least one jurisdiction particularly relevant to LawAI:
- United States
- European Union
- United Kingdom
The wider LawAI fellowship FAQ indicates that applicants without expertise in one of these jurisdictions are considered only in exceptional circumstances for the Legal Frontiers track.
Can International Applicants Apply?
LawAI’s fellowship programme is not simply restricted to US citizens.
However, applicants should pay careful attention to the programme’s legal and policy expertise requirements and immigration requirements for any in-person component.
For the Legal Frontiers programme, candidates are generally expected to have demonstrated knowledge of law and public policy in the United States, European Union or United Kingdom.
International candidates who receive offers and need immigration permission should also understand that participation in a particular location depends on having valid visa or immigration authorization.
Visa Sponsorship for International Fellows
LawAI states that if an applicant receives an offer, the organization will make every reasonable effort to support visa sponsorship.
However, visa sponsorship should not be interpreted as guaranteed.
LawAI explains that its ability to provide support depends on:
- The individual candidate
- The candidate’s location
- Applicable immigration rules
- Decisions made by the relevant authorities
Ultimately, immigration authorities determine eligibility.
Participation is contingent upon having valid visa or immigration permission for the location where the fellow will be based.
Full-Time Commitment
Successful candidates should be able to participate full-time from June 14 through August 20, 2027.
During the fellowship, participants are expected to:
- Attend regular team meetings
- Conduct their research
- Give occasional presentations
- Provide feedback on other fellows’ research
- Engage with the wider LawAI team
LawAI may consider adjustments to the start or end dates in exceptional circumstances, but its strong preference is for full participation throughout the programme.
Candidates requiring an adjustment should explain this in their application.
Washington DC Convening Week
Applicants must be able to attend the in-person Convening Week in:
Washington, DC
from:
June 21–25, 2027
LawAI covers eligible:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Meals
This component gives fellows an opportunity to interact with other researchers and members of the wider AI law and policy community in person.
What Kind of Candidates Has LawAI Previously Selected?
The Institute’s seasonal fellowship programmes have previously attracted candidates including:
- Graduate law students
- LLM students
- JD students
- PhD candidates
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Legal academics
- Lawyers
- Researchers
- Professionals transitioning into AI-related careers
LawAI reports that former Summer Research Fellows have subsequently pursued careers with organizations including government institutions, AI organizations, academia and think tanks.
Why This Fellowship Matters for AI Careers
Artificial intelligence is creating increasingly complex questions for governments, companies and legal institutions.
These include questions surrounding:
- AI regulation
- Legal responsibility
- AI safety
- Governance
- Automated decision-making
- Compliance
- Security
- Institutional accountability
- Rule of law
The LawAI fellowship gives participants an opportunity to investigate these questions while working with researchers specializing in AI law and policy.
This can be particularly relevant for applicants considering careers in government, academia, legal research, AI governance or technology policy.
Application Process
The 2027 application process consists of several stages.
Step 1: Online Application
Applicants must submit the official application form by:
January 29, 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
LawAI estimates that completing the initial application should take approximately 20 minutes.
Late applications will not be assessed.
Step 2: Asynchronous Exploratory Interview
Selected applicants progress to an asynchronous exploratory interview lasting approximately:
20 minutes
The interview is intended to help LawAI understand the candidate’s perspective on:
- Artificial intelligence development
- Society
- Law
- Public policy
Step 3: Research Interview
Candidates progressing further participate in a research interview lasting approximately:
30–45 minutes
Applicants speak with a member of LawAI’s research staff about:
- Research interests
- Goals
- Fellowship fit
- Potential research direction
Candidates will also have an opportunity to ask questions.
Step 4: Final Decision
LawAI aims to provide applicants with final decisions by:
the end of March 2027
Candidates requiring an earlier decision because of another opportunity can indicate this in their application.
Documents and Application Materials
The third-party source describes the initial requirements as a CV and application, followed by interview stages.
The official LawAI page confirms the online application and subsequent interview process but does not provide a comprehensive standalone list of every document applicants must upload.
Applicants should therefore follow the requirements displayed in the official application form rather than preparing additional documents based on unofficial checklists.
Application Deadline
The official deadline for the LawAI Summer Research Fellowship 2027 is:
January 29, 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Late applications will not be considered.
Candidates should avoid waiting until the final hours to submit, particularly if applying internationally.
How to Strengthen Your LawAI Fellowship Application
Demonstrate Strong Research Ability
LawAI is primarily selecting people capable of producing serious research.
Applicants should highlight relevant:
- Research projects
- Publications
- Theses
- Dissertations
- Policy papers
- Legal writing
- Academic work
- Research assistant experience
Explain Your Interest in AI Governance
Avoid simply stating that artificial intelligence is an interesting or rapidly growing technology.
Instead, identify a specific legal or policy problem that interests you.
Potential areas could include AI regulation, governance, accountability, rule of law or legal compliance.
Connect Your Existing Expertise to AI
Applicants do not necessarily need previous AI-specific research experience.
A strong candidate can instead demonstrate how existing expertise in law, economics, public policy, philosophy, computer science or another relevant discipline could contribute to important AI governance questions.
Understand LawAI’s Research
Candidates should familiarize themselves with LawAI’s Legal Frontiers research priorities before submitting an application.
This will make it easier to demonstrate genuine alignment with the fellowship.
Be Specific About Your Research Interests
A focused explanation of a research problem is generally more persuasive than simply saying that you want to “research AI law.”
Explain:
- The problem
- Why it matters
- What questions interest you
- How your background prepares you to investigate it
Important Distinction: Two LawAI Summer Programmes
Applicants should be aware that LawAI currently advertises two separate summer tracks for 2027.
Summer Fellowship – US
This programme focuses specifically on United States Law and Policy and strongly encourages participants to spend the summer in Washington, DC.
Its standard weekly subsidy is US$2,000, and fellows relocating to Washington, DC receive a US$10,000 relocation and housing stipend.
Summer Research Fellowship – Legal Frontiers
This is the programme covered primarily in this article.
It is:
Remote-first
and provides location-based subsidies, including:
US$1,800 per week for US-based fellows and £945 per week for UK/EU-based fellows.
Applicants should therefore choose the programme that best matches their background and research interests.
LawAI permits candidates to apply to multiple fellowship tracks if they satisfy the requirements, but a separate application is required for each track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LawAI Summer Research Fellowship 2027 fully funded?
The programme is a paid fellowship with substantial financial support. Legal Frontiers fellows receive weekly subsidies, and eligible travel expenses for specified programme events are covered. “Paid fellowship” is more precise than assuming every possible personal expense is covered.
How much does LawAI pay?
Legal Frontiers Summer Research Fellows based in the United States receive US$1,800 per week, while fellows based in the UK or EU receive £945 per week at the standard rates.
How much could a US-based fellow receive over 10 weeks?
At the standard US rate, 10 weeks would equal approximately US$18,000 in weekly subsidies, excluding other eligible travel support.
How long is the fellowship?
Ten weeks, from June 14 to August 20, 2027.
Is the fellowship remote?
The Legal Frontiers Summer Research Fellowship is remote-first.
Is any travel required?
Yes. Fellows must be able to attend the Convening Week in Washington, DC from June 21–25, 2027.
Does LawAI pay for the Washington trip?
Eligible travel expenses for Convening Week, including flights, accommodation and meals, are covered.
Can international applicants apply?
The programme is not restricted simply by nationality, but candidates need relevant expertise and must satisfy any applicable visa or immigration requirements.
Does LawAI provide visa sponsorship?
LawAI says it will make every reasonable effort to support visa sponsorship for successful candidates where required, but sponsorship and immigration approval cannot be guaranteed.
Do I need to be a lawyer?
Not necessarily. Most successful candidates are expected to have strong legal backgrounds, but exceptional candidates from computer science, public policy, economics, history, philosophy, psychology and related areas may be considered.
Do I need previous AI research experience?
No. Prior AI-specific research experience is not required.
Can PhD students apply?
Yes. PhD candidates are among the types of candidates represented in LawAI’s fellowship programmes.
Can professionals apply?
Yes. Professionals, practicing lawyers, researchers and academics are encouraged to apply where their backgrounds fit the relevant fellowship track.
Can I apply for more than one LawAI fellowship?
Yes. Candidates may apply to multiple tracks if qualified, but must submit a separate application for each.
What is the application deadline?
January 29, 2027 at 11:59 PM ET.
When will results be announced?
LawAI aims to provide Legal Frontiers applicants with a final decision by the end of March 2027.
Conclusion
The LawAI Summer Research Fellowship 2027 is a highly funded research opportunity for candidates interested in the future of artificial intelligence, law, governance and public policy.
Running for 10 weeks from June 14 to August 20, 2027, the Legal Frontiers fellowship is remote-first while bringing fellows together for an in-person Convening Week in Washington, DC from June 21–25.
US-based Summer Research Fellows receive a standard subsidy of US$1,800 per week, equivalent to approximately US$18,000 across 10 weeks, while UK/EU-based fellows receive £945 per week. Eligible travel expenses for the Washington convening are covered, and fellows also receive mentorship, networking, career-development opportunities and admission to the 2027 Workshop on Law-Following AI.
Applicants do not necessarily need previous AI-specific research experience, and exceptional candidates from disciplines outside law can be considered. However, strong research ability and relevant understanding of law and public policy are important.
The deadline is January 29, 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
For candidates hoping to build careers at the intersection of artificial intelligence, technology law, AI governance and public policy, the LawAI Summer Research Fellowship offers an opportunity to undertake serious research while joining an international community working on some of the most consequential legal questions surrounding advanced AI.
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