LawAI Seasonal Fellowships: Research Opportunities in AI, Law and Policy for Law Students, Professionals and Academics

The LawAI Seasonal Fellowships provide an opportunity for law students, legal professionals, researchers, academics, and other qualified specialists to engage with some of the most important emerging questions at the intersection of artificial intelligence, law, regulation, and public policy.

As artificial intelligence continues to develop rapidly, governments, regulators, courts, researchers, technology organizations, and policymakers are increasingly confronted with complex questions about how advanced AI systems should be governed. LawAI’s Seasonal Fellowships are designed to bring researchers and practitioners into this evolving field, allowing fellows to contribute to research while interacting with people working on frontier AI policy.

The fellowship opportunities are particularly relevant to individuals interested in AI governance, technology regulation, public policy, legal research, emerging technologies, and the development of legal frameworks for increasingly capable AI systems.

LawAI encourages prospective applicants to review its workstreams and research directions before applying so that they can understand the organization’s areas of interest and identify how their own research experience, legal background, and professional interests could contribute.

What Are the LawAI Seasonal Fellowships?

LawAI’s Seasonal Fellowships are structured research opportunities for individuals who want to work at the leading edge of AI, law, and policy.

The program currently includes three principal fellowship tracks:

1. Winter Research Fellowship (EU Law)
2. Summer Fellowship (US)
3. Summer Research Fellowship (Legal Frontiers)

Each track has a somewhat different geographic and substantive focus. While the US and EU Law tracks place particular emphasis on legal experience in their respective jurisdictions, the Legal Frontiers fellowship provides a broader interdisciplinary pathway for researchers whose work can contribute to the development of law and public policy surrounding advanced AI.

Applicants may apply to multiple tracks where they meet the relevant qualifications. However, a separate application must be submitted for each fellowship track.

1. Winter Research Fellowship in EU Law

The Winter Research Fellowship focuses on legal and policy questions connected to the European Union.

This fellowship is particularly relevant to candidates who have studied or worked with EU law and who are interested in applying their legal research capabilities to questions arising from artificial intelligence and emerging technology regulation.

LawAI strongly encourages fellows in this track to participate in person in Cambridge, United Kingdom. According to LawAI, a significant part of the value of the fellowship comes from developing professional connections with other fellows and interacting directly with LawAI staff and individuals working on frontier AI policy who visit the Cambridge office.

The organization recognizes, however, that circumstances differ between applicants. Remote participation may therefore be considered on a case-by-case basis where a candidate has compelling reasons, such as family commitments.

Convening Week

The Winter Research Fellowship includes an in-person Convening Week in Cambridge, UK, scheduled for:

February 8–12

Applicants considering this track should therefore be prepared to meet any relevant travel, immigration, and participation requirements associated with attending the Convening Week.

Fellowship Subsidy

Fellows participating in the Winter Research Fellowship receive:

• £1,000 per week fellowship subsidy.
• A one-off £7,000 relocation and housing payment for fellows who relocate to Cambridge.

Candidates with exceptional experience or qualifications may be eligible for higher subsidies.

2. Summer Fellowship in the United States

The Summer Fellowship is focused on US law and policy and is designed for candidates with relevant legal study or professional experience in the United States.

The fellowship is particularly suitable for individuals interested in the relationship between artificial intelligence and US legal and policy frameworks.

LawAI strongly encourages fellows to participate in person in Washington, DC. The organization notes that being embedded within the team and the wider Washington policy community can provide significant opportunities for professional interaction, research collaboration, and engagement with the broader AI policy environment.

Remote arrangements may nevertheless be considered on a case-by-case basis for candidates with compelling reasons to participate remotely.

Convening Week

The Summer Fellowship includes an in-person Convening Week in Washington, DC, scheduled for:

June 21–25

Candidates should take this requirement into account when determining whether the fellowship’s participation arrangements are compatible with their circumstances.

Fellowship Subsidy

The Summer Fellowship provides:

• $2,000 per week subsidy.
• A $10,000 relocation and housing stipend for fellows who relocate to Washington, DC.

The relocation and housing stipend is treated as taxable income. LawAI states that recipients are not required to submit reimbursement claims or receipts for this stipend.

As with the other tracks, candidates with exceptional experience or qualifications may be eligible for higher subsidies.

3. Summer Research Fellowship in Legal Frontiers

The Summer Research Fellowship in Legal Frontiers provides a broader research pathway for candidates interested in the future of law and public policy in the context of advanced AI.

Unlike the US and EU Law tracks, this fellowship does not require applicants to have a primary background in law. LawAI specifically welcomes applicants from other disciplines where their research can contribute meaningfully to questions involving advanced AI governance.

Potentially relevant backgrounds include:

• Computer science
• Public policy
• Economics
• History
• Psychology
• Physics
• Law
• Other disciplines relevant to the development of law and public policy

Applicants without specialized knowledge of US, EU, or UK law may still be considered, although LawAI indicates that candidates without expertise in one of these jurisdictions are generally considered only in exceptional circumstances.

Remote-First Structure

The Legal Frontiers fellowship is designed as a remote-first opportunity.

Fellows may have opportunities for in-person participation at LawAI’s Cambridge office in the United Kingdom or with the organization’s US Law & Policy team in Washington, DC.

Previous Summer Research Fellows have found value in being embedded within the organization and participating in the wider research and policy communities.

Convening Week

The Legal Frontiers fellowship’s Convening Week is hosted in Washington, DC:

June 21–25

Applicants should therefore consider the in-person Convening Week requirement when assessing their ability to participate.

Fellowship Subsidy

The Legal Frontiers fellowship provides a weekly subsidy based on the fellow’s location. LawAI gives the following examples:

• $1,800 per week for Summer Research Fellows based in the United States.
• £1,000 per week for fellows based in the European Union and United Kingdom.
• Additional stipends may potentially be available when location-specific conditions are met.

Candidates with exceptional qualifications or experience may also be eligible for higher subsidies.

Who Can Apply for LawAI Seasonal Fellowships?

LawAI’s Seasonal Fellowships are intended for applicants with meaningful legal, policy, research, or academic experience relevant to the fellowship track they select.

The organization explicitly states that it welcomes applications from professionals, meaning the opportunities are not restricted exclusively to current students.

Potential applicants include:

• Law students
• Practicing lawyers
• Legal researchers
• Law and policy researchers
• Academics
• Public policy researchers
• Researchers from relevant interdisciplinary fields
• Professionals with experience relevant to AI law and policy

The precise requirements depend on the fellowship track.

Requirements for the US and EU Law Tracks

For the US and EU Law tracks, LawAI generally expects applicants to have formal legal training or experience.

This is important because these fellowships require candidates to understand the legal principles applicable to AI regulation within the relevant jurisdiction.

Applicants should therefore have some form of formal legal education, professional legal experience, or another substantive background that demonstrates their understanding of the applicable legal system.

For the US track, relevant experience with US law is expected.

For the EU Law track, relevant experience with EU law is expected.

LawAI also encourages applications from people who previously studied or practiced US or EU law but are currently living and working in another country.

Requirements for the Legal Frontiers Track

The Legal Frontiers fellowship has a broader eligibility approach.

Applicants do not necessarily need to have law as their primary academic or professional discipline. Instead, candidates should be able to clearly demonstrate how their research could positively contribute to the development of law and public policy relating to advanced artificial intelligence.

This makes the fellowship potentially relevant to researchers working across multiple disciplines.

For example, a computer scientist might explore technical developments that have implications for AI governance. An economist might investigate regulatory incentives or the economic effects of AI policy. A historian might contribute research into institutional development and technology governance, while a psychologist could examine human behavior and policy implications associated with increasingly capable AI systems.

Candidates who intend to conduct technical research during the fellowship are responsible for identifying and securing an appropriately qualified technical supervisor.

Is Previous AI Experience Required?

Previous specialized experience with AI-related legal questions is not required.

Applicants should nevertheless have an interest in artificial intelligence, law, and policy and should be prepared to apply their research skills and existing knowledge to questions in the field.

This means applicants do not necessarily need to have already established a career specializing in AI law.

Instead, candidates can demonstrate their suitability through:

• Strong research capabilities
• Relevant legal or policy knowledge
• Academic or professional experience
• Interest in AI governance
• Ability to investigate complex emerging questions
• Ability to connect their existing expertise with AI-related legal and policy issues

The absence of a requirement for previous AI-specific experience potentially makes these fellowships accessible to qualified researchers who are transitioning into the field.

English Language Requirement

Applicants are required to have full professional fluency in English, both spoken and written.

This requirement reflects the collaborative nature of the fellowships. Fellows are expected to actively participate in:

• Research discussions
• Professional collaborations
• Presentations
• Meetings
• Academic and policy conversations
• Other activities requiring effective written and spoken communication

Applicants should therefore be comfortable communicating complex legal, policy, or research ideas in English.

Are Practicing Professionals Eligible?

Yes.

LawAI explicitly welcomes professionals, including practicing lawyers, law and policy researchers, and academics.

Relevant professional experience is highly valued, making these fellowships potentially suitable for candidates who are already working in legal practice, research, academia, regulation, public policy, or related areas.

The opportunities can therefore be relevant to both emerging researchers and established professionals seeking to deepen their involvement in AI law and policy.

Are the LawAI Seasonal Fellowships Paid?

Yes. LawAI provides weekly subsidies to fellows, with the exact amount depending on the fellowship track and the fellow’s location.

The stated financial support includes:

Winter Research Fellowship (EU Law)

• £1,000 per week
• One-off £7,000 relocation and housing payment for fellows relocating to Cambridge

APPLY HERE

Summer Fellowship (US)

• $2,000 per week
• $10,000 relocation and housing stipend for fellows relocating to Washington, DC

The US relocation and housing stipend is treated as taxable income, and LawAI states that recipients do not need to provide receipts or reimbursement documentation.

APPLY HERE

Summer Research Fellowship (Legal Frontiers)

• $1,800 per week for fellows based in the US
• £1,000 per week for fellows based in the EU and UK
• Potential additional location-specific stipends

LawAI also indicates that candidates with exceptional experience or qualifications may be eligible for higher subsidies.

Applicants should carefully review the applicable fellowship description for the specific track they intend to pursue because payment arrangements may vary according to location and individual circumstances.

APPLY HERE

Remote and In-Person Participation

The Seasonal Fellowships do not all follow the same participation model.

A common feature across the program is the requirement for an in-person Convening Week.

Outside of that period, participation varies according to the fellowship.

Winter Research Fellowship

The Winter Research Fellowship strongly encourages in-person participation in Cambridge. Remote participation may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

The Convening Week takes place in Cambridge from February 8–12.

Summer Fellowship

The US Summer Fellowship strongly encourages in-person participation in Washington, DC. Remote participation may be considered on a case-by-case basis for candidates with compelling reasons.

The Convening Week takes place in Washington, DC, from June 21–25.

Legal Frontiers Fellowship

The Legal Frontiers fellowship is remote-first.

Nevertheless, fellows may have opportunities to participate in person from Cambridge or Washington, DC, and the Convening Week is hosted in Washington, DC, from June 21–25.

Applicants should therefore distinguish between a fellowship being remote-first or allowing remote arrangements and the separate requirement to participate in an in-person Convening Week.

Visa and Immigration Requirements

Successful applicants are responsible for having any visa or immigration authorization required to participate in the fellowship in the relevant country.

LawAI states that, after making an offer, it will make every reasonable effort to support relevant visa applications where appropriate.

However, visa eligibility is ultimately determined by the relevant immigration authorities.

Applicants who would need to travel internationally for a fellowship should therefore investigate applicable immigration requirements early in the application process.

Can Applicants Apply for More Than One Fellowship Track?

Yes.

Applicants may apply for multiple Seasonal Fellowship tracks, including:

• US
• EU Law
• Legal Frontiers

However, applicants must meet the relevant qualifications for each track they select.

A separate application must also be submitted for each fellowship.

Candidates considering multiple tracks should therefore ensure that each application is appropriately tailored to the specific jurisdiction, research focus, and requirements of that fellowship rather than submitting identical materials without modification.

What Makes the Seasonal Fellowships Relevant to AI Governance?

The rapid development of artificial intelligence is creating new questions for legal systems and policymakers.

Issues surrounding advanced AI can involve regulation, liability, governance, public policy, institutional design, technological development, economic impacts, and the relationship between emerging technologies and existing legal frameworks.

LawAI’s Seasonal Fellowships provide a structured environment for researchers to investigate these types of questions while engaging with other people working in the field.

The opportunity is therefore not simply about studying AI as a technology. It is about examining how law and public policy may respond to increasingly capable AI systems.

For applicants with backgrounds in law, public policy, economics, computer science, history, psychology, physics, or related disciplines, this interdisciplinary environment can provide a setting in which existing research expertise can be applied to emerging questions surrounding advanced AI.

How Applicants Can Prepare

Prospective applicants should begin by understanding the research areas relevant to LawAI and the particular fellowship track they intend to apply for.

Useful preparation steps include:

1. Review LawAI’s research directions.
   Applicants should familiarize themselves with the organization’s workstreams and research priorities.
2. Identify the most suitable fellowship track.
   Candidates should consider whether their background aligns most closely with US law, EU law, or the broader Legal Frontiers research agenda.
3. Connect previous experience to AI law and policy.
   Even though previous AI-specific experience is not mandatory, applicants should be able to explain why their existing knowledge and research abilities are relevant to AI-related questions.
4. Demonstrate strong research ability.
   Applications should clearly communicate the candidate’s ability to investigate complex questions, analyze evidence, and develop meaningful research.
5. Consider the geographic requirements.
   Candidates should review the in-person Convening Week dates and determine whether they can meet the relevant participation requirements.
6. Review visa requirements if international travel is necessary.
   Applicants who may need immigration authorization should consider the relevant requirements well in advance.
7. Prepare for professional collaboration in English.
   Since full professional English fluency is required, candidates should be prepared to participate confidently in discussions, collaborations, and presentations.

Can Applicants Receive Individualized Feedback?

LawAI states that it cannot provide personalized feedback to applicants.

The organization carefully reviews applications but receives a high volume of submissions, making individualized feedback impractical.

Applicants should therefore aim to submit complete, carefully prepared applications that clearly demonstrate their qualifications, research interests, and suitability for the particular fellowship track.

How to Stay Updated About Future LawAI Fellowships

Applicants who are interested in future fellowship opportunities can stay connected with LawAI through its communication channels.

LawAI encourages prospective applicants to follow its updates through its newsletter, LinkedIn, and X.

These channels can provide information about upcoming fellowship opportunities, events, research activities, and other ways to engage with the organization.

Long-Term Opportunities at LawAI

The Seasonal Fellowships are not the only opportunities available through LawAI.

The organization also offers longer-term roles through its open positions.

Seasonal Fellowships can provide an avenue for individuals to become involved with LawAI’s work and may serve as a stepping stone toward future full-time opportunities, although participation in a fellowship does not guarantee employment.

Candidates interested in building a longer-term career in AI law and policy should therefore also monitor LawAI’s open positions in addition to its seasonal fellowship announcements.

Important Considerations Before Applying

Before submitting an application, prospective candidates should carefully consider several factors.

First, applicants should select a track that corresponds with their academic, professional, and research background. The US and EU Law tracks require a stronger jurisdiction-specific legal foundation, while the Legal Frontiers track accommodates a broader range of disciplines.

Second, applicants should be prepared for the English-language requirements and the collaborative nature of the program.

Third, candidates should consider whether they can participate in the required in-person Convening Week.

Fourth, international applicants should investigate visa and immigration requirements if their selected fellowship involves participation in another country.

Finally, candidates should carefully review the full description for their selected fellowship before applying because specific details can differ between the US, EU Law, and Legal Frontiers tracks.

For

Deadline

No application deadline is stated in the information provided for the Seasonal Fellowships page.

Applicants should therefore check the individual fellowship descriptions and LawAI’s official opportunity updates for the current application period and any applicable deadline before submitting an application.

Visit HERE to learn more about the LawAI Seasonal Fellowships.

Conclusion

The LawAI Seasonal Fellowships provide research opportunities for individuals interested in the rapidly developing intersection of artificial intelligence, law, regulation, and public policy. With separate pathways focused on EU law, US law, and broader legal frontiers, the program accommodates applicants with different professional, academic, and disciplinary backgrounds.

The Winter Research Fellowship offers a European-focused opportunity with an emphasis on participation in Cambridge, while the Summer Fellowship in the United States focuses on US law and policy and encourages fellows to engage with the Washington, DC policy environment. The Summer Research Fellowship in Legal Frontiers provides a broader, remote-first pathway for researchers whose work can contribute to the development of law and public policy surrounding advanced AI.

Law students, lawyers, legal researchers, academics, policymakers, and researchers from relevant interdisciplinary fields may find the fellowships particularly relevant to their professional and research interests. Importantly, applicants do not need previous specialized experience in AI law, provided they have appropriate research or legal knowledge and a genuine interest in applying their expertise to AI-related questions.

With weekly financial subsidies, potential relocation and housing support, opportunities for professional collaboration, and exposure to researchers and practitioners working on frontier AI policy, the Seasonal Fellowships offer a structured way for qualified candidates to deepen their engagement with one of the most rapidly evolving areas of contemporary law and policy.

Prospective applicants should carefully review the specific requirements of each fellowship track, assess their jurisdictional or interdisciplinary background, prepare a strong research-focused application, and monitor LawAI’s official channels for current application deadlines and future fellowship announcements.

For more global fellowship opportunity visit OFY HERE