The LawAI Summer Research Fellowship is a paid research program for law students, professionals and academics interested in AI law and policy. The Legal Frontiers track is remote-first and runs for ten weeks from June 14 to August 20, 2027. Fellows work with a mentor on projects connected to law, governance and advanced artificial intelligence. Applications are open internationally where participation and visa conditions can be met.
The official Institute for Law & AI page lists a January 29, 2027 at 11:59 PM ET application deadline. US-based fellows receive a weekly subsidy of $1,800, while fellows based in the UK or EU receive £945 per week. Eligible travel is covered for a Washington, DC Convening Week and a Cambridge workshop. Full-time participation is strongly preferred.
LawAI Summer Research Fellowship Details
The Legal Frontiers fellowship focuses on the Legal Frontiers team’s research agenda. Current topics include law-following AI, automated governance and rule-of-law questions raised by advanced AI systems.
Projects can range from a substantial individual research output to contributions to larger LawAI research or advisory projects. Applicants can suggest a topic, but it should connect clearly to the institute’s mission and current research priorities.
Host | Institute for Law & AI |
|---|---|
Format | Remote-first paid research fellowship |
Duration | 10 weeks |
Program dates | 14 June to 20 August 2027 |
Convening | Washington, DC, 21 to 25 June 2027 |
Weekly subsidy | $1,800 in the US or £945 in the UK/EU |
Eligibility | Strong legal background preferred; related fields considered |
Deadline | 29 January 2027, 11:59 PM ET |
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LawAI Summer Research Fellowship Benefits
The LawAI Summer Research Fellowship combines paid research time with mentorship and professional development. Fellows receive a location-based weekly subsidy, and applicants with exceptional experience may be considered for higher support.
Eligible travel expenses are covered for the Washington, DC Convening Week and for the 2027 Workshop on Law-Following AI in Cambridge. The program also provides expert Q&A sessions, networking and opportunities to explore later collaborations.
- Paid weekly subsidy based on location
Also Check: Researchers considering other policy-focused opportunities can also review the Wilson Center Research Fellowship.
Eligibility Requirements
Most successful applicants are expected to have a strong legal background. LawAI also considers exceptional candidates from fields such as computer science, public policy, economics, history, philosophy and psychology when their work can shape law or public policy.
Applicants should normally understand the law and public policy of the United States, European Union or United Kingdom. Prior AI-specific research is not required, but applicants must be ready to apply their research skills to AI law and policy.
- Graduate law students, PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers
Documents to Prepare
The official application is designed to assess research interests, background and fit with LawAI’s Legal Frontiers work. Applicants should prepare concise evidence of their legal or policy expertise and the research questions they want to pursue.
Candidates should also be ready for the later interview stages. If technical research is proposed, the applicant is responsible for finding an appropriate technical supervisor.
- Online application form
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the official LawAI application form. The first stage should take about twenty minutes and must be completed before the stated deadline.
Shortlisted candidates move to an asynchronous exploratory interview and then a 30 to 45 minute research interview. LawAI aims to provide final decisions by the end of March.
- Read the Legal Frontiers research priorities
LawAI Summer Research Fellowship Deadline and Selection
The deadline is 29 January 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Late applications are not assessed under the official process.
The selection process includes the written application, an asynchronous interview and a research interview. LawAI says final decisions are targeted for the end of March.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants often want clarity on the program length, stipend and whether an AI research background is mandatory. The official guidance answers each of these points directly.
The live LawAI page should be used as the final source because program details, travel arrangements and research priorities can be updated.
Is the Legal Frontiers summer fellowship paid?
Yes. The official page lists weekly subsidies of $1,800 for US-based fellows and £945 for fellows based in the UK or EU.
Is the fellowship fully remote?
It is remote-first, but the program includes an in-person Convening Week in Washington, DC and a funded Cambridge workshop.
Do applicants need previous AI research experience?
No. Prior AI-specific research is not required, but applicants should have relevant research skills and a strong interest in AI law and policy.
Conclusion
The LawAI Summer Research Fellowship offers a focused route into advanced AI law and policy research with substantial mentorship and paid support. It is especially relevant for applicants who can connect strong legal or policy skills to emerging governance questions.
Review the official research directions, prepare a clear explanation of your interests and submit the application before January 29, 2027. If shortlisted, be ready to discuss your research goals during the two interview stages.
