Summer Research Fellowship 2027 at the Institute for Law & AI (LawAI): Funding, Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Apply

The Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) Summer Research Fellowship (Legal Frontiers) 2027 is an opportunity for law students, legal professionals, academics, and exceptional candidates from related disciplines to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, law, and public policy. The fellowship offers paid research experience, close mentorship, professional development, and opportunities to engage with experts working to ensure that advanced artificial intelligence develops in ways that promote safety, security, and the rule of law.

Designed for individuals interested in shaping the legal and policy frameworks surrounding advanced AI, the program combines independent research with collaboration, mentorship, and engagement with the wider AI governance community. Participants will work with an assigned mentor to develop a research project aligned with their experience, skills, interests, and professional goals.

Applications for the 2027 Summer Research Fellowship close on January 29, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements, program schedule, financial support, and application stages carefully before submitting their applications.

Overview of the LawAI Summer Research Fellowship 2027

The Summer Research Fellowship is organized by the Institute for Law & AI, an independent think tank focused on legal challenges created by artificial intelligence. Through its Legal Frontiers team, LawAI seeks to develop legal and policy approaches that help ensure major advances in AI benefit society while protecting security, welfare, and the rule of law.

The fellowship is intended to support both emerging and established researchers who can contribute meaningful legal or policy analysis to questions raised by advanced AI systems. Although applicants with strong legal backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply, exceptional candidates from related disciplines may also be considered if they can clearly explain how their research could influence law and public policy.

The program provides an opportunity to investigate important questions about how legal systems should respond to increasingly capable AI technologies. Fellows will collaborate with LawAI researchers and affiliates, receive individualized mentorship, participate in professional discussions, and develop research that may contribute to academic debate, policymaking, or practical governance work.

Key details at a glance

• Program: Summer Research Fellowship (Legal Frontiers) 2027
• Host organization: Institute for Law & AI (LawAI)
• Research area: Artificial intelligence, law, governance, and public policy
• Duration: 10 weeks
• Fellowship dates: June 14–August 20, 2027
• Convening Week: June 21–25, 2027, in Washington, DC
• Format: Remote-first, with opportunities for in-person participation
• Financial support: Weekly subsidy based on the fellow’s location
• Application deadline: January 29, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET
• Application portal: https://law-ai.org/ — visit the official website’s Summer Research Fellowship (Legal Frontiers) page for the application form.

About the Institute for Law & AI (LawAI)

The Institute for Law & AI is an independent think tank that researches and advises on the legal challenges associated with artificial intelligence. Its work is based on the view that rigorous legal analysis can help advance security, public welfare, and the rule of law as AI technologies become more capable and influential.

LawAI works at the intersection of artificial intelligence, law, and policy. Its activities include research, policy advice, and engagement with governments, international organizations, public institutions, and private-sector actors. This work aims to help decision-makers understand and address the legal questions that arise as AI develops and becomes integrated into society.

The organization’s Legal Frontiers team focuses on developing legal and policy paradigms that can help ensure AI advances are beneficial and safe. Through the Summer Research Fellowship, LawAI seeks to involve researchers who can contribute original ideas, interdisciplinary approaches, and careful legal reasoning to these emerging challenges.

For prospective applicants, understanding LawAI’s mission is important because the fellowship is not simply a general AI research placement. Applicants should be prepared to connect their research interests to legal questions, public policy, AI governance, or the rule of law.

Main Research Areas of the Legal Frontiers Fellowship

The Legal Frontiers team currently focuses primarily on two research areas: Law-Following AI and Automated Governance and the Rule of Law. Applicants should consider how their proposed interests relate to these areas and to the broader mission of ensuring that advanced AI is developed and used safely.

1. Law-Following AI

Law-Following AI concerns questions about how artificial intelligence systems should understand, follow, and interact with legal rules. As AI systems become involved in more complex decisions and activities, researchers and policymakers face questions about the role of law in guiding AI behavior and the legal standards that may apply to these systems.

Research in this area can involve examining how legal concepts should be represented, interpreted, or applied in AI contexts. It may also involve studying how existing legal doctrines and institutions can inform the development and governance of advanced AI.

The fellowship encourages researchers who can bring new approaches to these questions, including methods from legal theory, empirical legal studies, legal history, law and economics, and comparative legal analysis.

2. Automated Governance and the Rule of Law

The second major research area is Automated Governance and the Rule of Law. This area concerns the relationship between increasingly automated systems, governance processes, and the legal principles that support legitimate and accountable institutions.

As AI becomes more influential in public administration, institutional decision-making, and other governance-related activities, legal and policy researchers can help examine how these systems should be constrained, evaluated, and integrated into existing frameworks.

Applicants interested in this area should be able to explain how their research could contribute to the responsible development or use of AI in ways that respect legal principles and support public welfare.

3. Interdisciplinary research approaches

LawAI is interested in researchers who can apply novel methodological or interdisciplinary approaches to the intersection of law and AI. The organization specifically identifies approaches such as:

• Originalism
• Empirical legal studies
• Law and economics
• Legal history
• Comparative legal studies

Applicants are also welcome to suggest other research topics with a clear connection to LawAI’s research priorities. A proposal does not necessarily need to reproduce an existing project; however, it should demonstrate a meaningful relationship to the organization’s mission and workstreams.

Prospective fellows who have a strong preference for a particular type of project should explain that preference in their application. This will help LawAI evaluate whether it can provide appropriate mentorship and support.

What Will Summer Research Fellows Do?

Each fellow will collaborate with an assigned mentor to develop and carry out a research project suited to their experience, skills, interests, and professional objectives. The specific nature of the work will depend on the fellow’s background and the project agreed upon with the mentor.

Some fellows may concentrate on one substantial project over the duration of the program. This could involve drafting a research report, preparing a law review article, or developing another major piece of legal or policy analysis.

Other fellows may contribute to several ongoing projects led by LawAI staff and affiliates. These may include research initiatives and advisory projects designed to inform governments, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector institutions.

Depending on the project, fellows may have opportunities to:

• Investigate legal and policy questions raised by advanced AI.
• Develop original arguments, frameworks, or research findings.
• Analyze how legal principles apply to emerging AI governance challenges.
• Contribute to ongoing research and advisory work.
• Discuss research ideas with experienced scholars and practitioners.
• Receive feedback from mentors and colleagues.
• Present their work and participate in research discussions.
• Provide constructive feedback on research conducted by other fellows and the wider LawAI team.

Fellows should expect to take an active role in their research and in the fellowship community. The program is designed around full-time participation, regular team meetings, occasional presentations, and engagement with other researchers.

Duration, Dates, and Fellowship Format

The Summer Research Fellowship is a 10-week program running from June 14 to August 20, 2027. It is designed primarily as a remote-first fellowship, allowing fellows to work on their research while participating in the organization’s activities.

However, the fellowship also includes important in-person opportunities.

Convening Week in Washington, DC

Fellows are expected to attend a Convening Week in Washington, DC, from June 21–25, 2027. This gathering provides an opportunity to meet members of the LawAI community, participate in discussions, and connect with researchers and professionals working on AI law and policy.

Eligible travel expenses for the Convening Week are covered, including flights, accommodation, and meals, subject to the program’s applicable conditions.

Attendance is an explicit eligibility requirement, so applicants should make sure they can participate in this part of the program before applying.

In-person participation in Cambridge or Washington, DC

Although the fellowship is remote-first, LawAI also offers opportunities for fellows to participate in person with staff at its office in Cambridge, United Kingdom, or at its Washington, DC workspace with the US Law & Policy team.

Previous fellows have found it valuable to work within the organization and engage with the broader research and policy communities. In-person participation may also come with additional stipends where the conditions specific to the relevant location are met.

Participation in either location depends on the fellow having valid visa or immigration permissions for the place where they will be based. Applicants should not assume that an offer automatically guarantees permission to enter or work in another country.

Possible schedule adjustments

LawAI strongly prefers fellows to participate throughout the full program. In exceptional circumstances, it may consider requests to adjust the start or end dates. These requests are reviewed individually and are not guaranteed to be approved.

Candidates who need an adjustment should explain their circumstances in their application.

Financial Benefits and Other Fellowship Support

The LawAI Summer Research Fellowship offers financial support alongside research mentorship, professional development, and opportunities to participate in relevant events.

1. Weekly financial subsidy

Fellows receive a weekly subsidy determined by their location. The published amounts are:

• United States: $1,800 per week.
• European Union or United Kingdom: £1,000 per week.

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

These figures are location-based weekly amounts. Applicants should confirm how their proposed work location affects the applicable rate and should not assume that every participant will receive the same currency or amount.

2. Travel support for Convening Week

Eligible expenses for the Washington, DC Convening Week are covered. The stated expenses include flights, accommodation, and meals.

This support helps fellows attend the required in-person gathering and engage directly with the program’s research and policy community.

3. Admission to the 2027 Workshop on Law-Following AI

Fellows will receive admission to the 2027 Workshop on Law-Following AI in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Eligible travel expenses, including flights and accommodation, are covered.

The workshop provides an additional opportunity to engage with research related to one of Legal Frontiers’ main areas of focus. Applicants interested in law-following AI may find this component particularly relevant to their professional and academic interests.

4. Close research mentorship

Each fellow will work with an assigned mentor from LawAI’s research staff or affiliate network. The mentorship is intended to support the development and execution of the fellow’s research project.

Mentorship can help fellows refine their research questions, strengthen their arguments, consider different approaches, and produce work aligned with the fellowship’s objectives.

5. Q&A sessions with leading experts

The program includes question-and-answer sessions with experts in the field. These sessions offer opportunities to learn from people working on AI law, governance, and policy and to explore questions that may be relevant to a fellow’s own research.

6. Networking and career planning

Fellows will have access to law and policy networking opportunities and career-planning resources. These activities are intended to help participants consider how their research experience can support future professional opportunities.

7. Potential future collaborations

The fellowship may create opportunities for further engagement with LawAI. Possibilities include follow-on funding through grants, invitations to future events, and potential projects or job openings with the organization.

These possibilities should be understood as potential outcomes rather than guaranteed benefits. The fellowship offers a way to build relationships and demonstrate research ability, but future funding, employment, or collaboration will depend on the circumstances and opportunities available.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The fellowship welcomes candidates with strong legal backgrounds and exceptional candidates from related disciplines. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in AI law and policy, relevant research ability, and the capacity to contribute to questions within LawAI’s field of work.

1. Candidates with legal backgrounds

Most successful applicants are expected to have a strong background in law. Relevant candidates may include:

• Graduate law students, such as LLM or JD candidates.
• PhD candidates.
• Postdoctoral researchers.
• Final-year undergraduate law students pursuing degrees such as an LLB, First State Examination, or comparable qualification.
• Legal academics, including law professors.
• Legal professionals interested in moving into AI-focused research, academia, government, or industry roles.

The program is not limited to one academic level or career stage. Applicants should focus on demonstrating how their legal knowledge, research interests, and experience align with the fellowship.

2. Candidates from related disciplines

LawAI is also open to exceptional candidates from related fields, including:

• Computer science.
• Public policy.
• Economics.
• History.
• Philosophy.
• Psychology.

Applicants from these fields should clearly explain how their research could positively influence the development of law and public policy for advanced AI. Simply having an interest in artificial intelligence may not be enough; candidates should establish a convincing connection between their expertise and the fellowship’s legal and policy objectives.

Candidates who intend to conduct technical research during the fellowship are responsible for finding their own qualified technical supervisor.

3. Understanding of relevant legal jurisdictions

Most successful applicants are expected to have a deep, demonstrated understanding of the law and public policy of at least one jurisdiction particularly relevant to LawAI:

• The United States.
• The European Union.
• The United Kingdom.

Applicants without expertise in any of these jurisdictions may be considered only in exceptional cases. This is an important consideration for international candidates whose academic or professional experience is primarily based in another legal system.

4. Prior AI research experience is not required

Applicants do not need to have previous experience or specialized expertise in AI-specific research.

However, candidates should have a genuine interest in AI law and policy and be prepared to apply their research skills and legal knowledge to relevant questions. Applicants should demonstrate that they can engage thoughtfully with the legal and governance implications of advanced AI, even if their earlier work focused on another subject.

5. Full-time availability

Candidates must be able to commit to full-time participation from June 14 to August 20, 2027. The program involves regular team meetings, occasional research presentations, and feedback on work produced by other fellows and the wider LawAI team.

LawAI may consider adjustments to the program dates in exceptional circumstances, but full participation remains the strong preference.

6. Ability to attend Convening Week

Applicants must be able to attend the Convening Week in Washington, DC, from June 21–25, 2027. Eligible travel expenses are covered, including flights, accommodation, and meals.

Candidates should carefully consider their ability to attend before applying.

7. Visa and immigration considerations

If a candidate receives an offer, LawAI states that it will make every reasonable effort to support visa sponsorship. However, the organization’s ability to do so depends on the candidate and their location, and the relevant authorities ultimately determine eligibility.

Fellows must have valid visa or immigration permissions for the location where they will be based. Anyone considering in-person participation in the United Kingdom or United States should account for this requirement when planning their application.

Is the Fellowship Open to International Applicants?

The supplied fellowship information does not identify a nationality or citizenship restriction that limits applications to a particular country or continent. Its eligibility criteria focus primarily on academic or professional background, research ability, relevant jurisdictional knowledge, full-time availability, and attendance at the Washington, DC Convening Week.

The program’s diversity and equal-opportunity statement says LawAI aims to accept applicants with varied experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who share its mission. The organization states that people should have the opportunity to succeed regardless of race, religion, disability, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

International applicants should nevertheless consider the program’s location-specific requirements. Visa sponsorship may be supported where possible, but it is not guaranteed, and valid immigration permission is necessary for any location in which a fellow will be based.

Applicants whose experience is centered outside the United States, European Union, or United Kingdom should pay particular attention to the requirement for demonstrated knowledge of at least one of those jurisdictions. LawAI indicates that candidates without such expertise will be considered only in exceptional cases.

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How to Apply for the LawAI Summer Research Fellowship 2027

The application process consists of an application form, an exploratory interview, a research interview, and a final decision.

Step 1: Submit the application form

Applicants must submit the application form by January 29, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The organization estimates that completing the form will take approximately 20 minutes.

Late applications will not be assessed, so candidates should submit their materials before the deadline rather than waiting until the final hours.

The application should communicate the candidate’s relevant experience, research interests, professional goals, and fit with the fellowship. Applicants who strongly prefer a particular research project or type of work should state that preference so LawAI can evaluate whether it can support the proposed direction.

Candidates may also benefit from reviewing LawAI’s Legal Frontiers workstreams and research directions to understand the types of questions the organization is currently exploring.

Step 2: Complete the asynchronous exploratory interview

Applicants who advance will be asked to complete an asynchronous exploratory interview lasting approximately 20 minutes.

The purpose of this stage is to help LawAI understand the applicant’s perspective on AI development and its implications for society, law, and public policy.

Candidates should be prepared to communicate their views clearly and thoughtfully, showing that they can engage with complex questions and consider the wider consequences of AI development.

Step 3: Attend the research interview

The next stage is a research interview lasting approximately 30–45 minutes with a member of LawAI’s research staff.

During this interview, the candidate will discuss their research interests, goals, and suitability for the program. The interview also provides an opportunity for applicants to ask questions about the fellowship, research expectations, and potential areas of collaboration.

Applicants should be ready to explain the questions they want to investigate, why those questions matter, and how their background would help them contribute to the program.

Step 4: Receive the final decision

LawAI aims to provide all applicants with a final decision by the end of March 2027.

Candidates who require a decision by a particular date should mention this in their application form. While this allows the organization to understand the applicant’s timing needs, it should not be treated as a guarantee of an earlier decision.

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How to Prepare a Strong Application

Although the program does not require prior AI-specific research experience, applicants should make a clear case for why they are well suited to work on legal and policy questions involving advanced AI.

The following preparation steps may help:

1. Understand LawAI’s mission. Familiarize yourself with the organization’s work on AI, law, public policy, safety, security, and the rule of law.
2. Identify a relevant research question. Consider whether your interests connect to Law-Following AI, Automated Governance and the Rule of Law, or another topic within Legal Frontiers’ research priorities.
3. Explain your disciplinary contribution. If your background is in law, show how your legal training supports your proposed work. If you come from computer science or another related field, explain how your expertise could contribute to legal or policy development.
4. Demonstrate jurisdictional knowledge. Make your understanding of the law and public policy of the United States, European Union, or United Kingdom clear, where applicable.
5. Connect the fellowship to your goals. Explain how the experience would support your research, academic development, or future work in AI-focused legal and policy roles.
6. Plan for the schedule. Make sure you can participate full-time and attend the required Washington, DC Convening Week.
7. Submit before the deadline. Allow enough time to review the application and make sure it is complete before the deadline.

These are preparation suggestions based on the program’s stated criteria, not additional formal requirements.

Career Development and Potential Professional Outcomes

The fellowship is designed to support both research and professional development. In addition to working on a substantive project, fellows can benefit from mentorship, expert discussions, networking, and career-planning resources.

The program may be particularly relevant to people interested in careers involving AI regulation, legal scholarship, public policy, institutional governance, or responsible AI development. It can help participants explore how their existing legal or interdisciplinary expertise might apply to emerging AI-related questions.

LawAI reports that previous Summer Research Fellows have gone on to pursue legal and policy roles at organizations including the US Department of Commerce, the European AI Office, the UK AI Security Institute, leading AI companies, academic institutions, and think tanks, including LawAI itself.

These examples illustrate possible career directions associated with the fellowship community; they do not guarantee that future fellows will obtain similar positions.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

LawAI states that it seeks to bring together people with different experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who share its mission. Its equal-opportunity commitment applies regardless of race, religion, disability, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

This commitment reflects the organization’s intention to create an environment in which participants and employees have the opportunity to succeed. Applicants who have questions about the application process or require disability-related assistance or accommodations can contact the program team at programs@law-ai.org.

Important Deadline and Application Information

Applicants should keep the following details in mind:

• Application deadline: January 29, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Program period: June 14–August 20, 2027.
• Required in-person event: Convening Week in Washington, DC, from June 21–25, 2027.
• Application form duration: Approximately 20 minutes.
• Exploratory interview: Approximately 20 minutes, asynchronous.
• Research interview: Approximately 30–45 minutes.
• Expected final decisions: By the end of March 2027.
• Application contact for questions or accommodations: programs@law-ai.org.

Candidates should use the official LawAI website to locate the current fellowship announcement and application form. The supplied program information does not provide a separate direct application-form URL, so applicants should navigate through the official website rather than rely on an unverified link.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the LawAI Summer Research Fellowship?

It is a 10-week, paid research fellowship focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence, law, and public policy. Fellows work with assigned mentors on projects aligned with LawAI’s mission and research priorities.

2. When is the application deadline?

Applications close on January 29, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Late applications will not be assessed.

3. How long does the fellowship last?

The program runs from June 14 to August 20, 2027, and includes a required Convening Week in Washington, DC, from June 21–25.

4. How much financial support do fellows receive?

The published weekly subsidy is $1,800 for fellows based in the United States and £1,000 for fellows based in the European Union or United Kingdom. Candidates with exceptional experience or qualifications may be eligible for higher subsidies.

5. Must applicants have a law degree?

A law background is typical among successful applicants, but LawAI also considers exceptional candidates from related fields such as computer science, public policy, economics, history, philosophy, and psychology. Candidates from non-legal fields must explain how their research could positively shape law and public policy for advanced AI.

6. Is previous AI research experience required?

No. Prior experience or expertise in AI-specific research is not required, although applicants should have a strong interest in AI law and policy and be able to apply their research skills to relevant questions.

7. Can international candidates apply?

The supplied information does not specify a country-based application restriction. International candidates should review the requirements concerning legal-jurisdiction knowledge, attendance at Convening Week, and visa or immigration permissions for any location in which they will be based.

8. Is the fellowship fully remote?

It is remote-first, but fellows are required to attend the Washington, DC Convening Week. Opportunities for additional in-person participation may be available at LawAI’s Cambridge office or Washington, DC workspace, subject to applicable conditions and immigration permissions.

9. When will applicants hear back?

LawAI aims to provide final decisions by the end of March 2027. Applicants who need a decision by a particular date should mention this in their application.

10. Where can applicants find the application form?

Applicants should visit the official Institute for Law & AI website at https://law-ai.org/ and navigate to the Summer Research Fellowship (Legal Frontiers) page.

Conclusion

The LawAI Summer Research Fellowship 2027 offers an opportunity for law students, legal professionals, academics, and exceptional researchers from related disciplines to contribute to important questions at the intersection of artificial intelligence, law, and public policy. Through a 10-week research placement, location-based weekly financial support, close mentorship, expert discussions, and engagement with the wider research community, the program aims to strengthen participants’ ability to address the legal and governance challenges associated with advanced AI.

Candidates with a strong legal background, demonstrated knowledge of relevant jurisdictions, and a clear interest in AI law and policy may find the fellowship especially valuable. Exceptional applicants from fields such as computer science, economics, history, philosophy, psychology, and public policy may also be considered if they can explain how their expertise can contribute to the development of law and public policy for advanced AI.

Before applying, candidates should ensure they can commit to the full-time program, attend the Washington, DC Convening Week, and meet the relevant immigration requirements for their proposed location. Most importantly, applicants should submit their completed applications by January 29, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

For the latest details and application instructions, visit the official Institute for Law & AI website: https://law-ai.org/.

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