The LawAI Academic Fellowship is a fully funded, two-year program for aspiring legal scholars who intend to go on the US academic job market to produce legal scholarship on the law of transformative artificial intelligence. Fellows receive $130,000 per year, mentorship, and resources to prepare for a career in US legal academia.
The Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) is an independent think tank that researches and advises on the legal challenges posed by artificial intelligence. LawAI believes that sound legal analysis will promote security, welfare, and the rule of law, and conducts research at the intersection of AI, law, and policy.
LawAI Academic Fellowship Benefits
- Salary of $130,000 per year
- Flexible working hours with option to work from Cambridge, UK office
- 5 weeks of PTO recommended per year plus public holidays
- 12 weeks of paid parental leave with option for additional unpaid leave
- Employer pension or matching 401(k) contribution up to 4% of salary
- Health insurance for employees in countries without nationalized healthcare
- Annual $5,000 reimbursement fund for productivity and professional development (conferences, workshops, job talks)
- Annual $5,000 reimbursement fund for mental health support
- Annual $2,500 reimbursement fund for equipment and office supplies
- Additional $5,000 annual travel reimbursement for academic conferences, workshops, and job talks
- Research support including books, journal access, database access (e.g., Westlaw), and generative AI tools
- Option to hire Seasonal Research Fellows as research assistants
- Funding for contractors for editing and sub-citing research
LawAI Academic Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Plan to pursue a career in US legal academia
- Strong academic performance in law school
- Post-law school work experience (e.g., clerkship, private sector, public service, advocacy, policy work)
- Service on a law review or comparable academic journal
- Existing publication record or concrete research agenda
- Additional advanced degrees (preferred but not required)
- Ability to demonstrate excellent written work product
- Driven by improving AI law and policy
- Self-directed and proactive
- Can travel frequently (2–3 times per year for retreats and conferences, plus at least one month per year in-person in Washington, DC or Cambridge, UK)
Research Areas of Interest
- Risk regulation of transformative AI
- Liability for AI-related harms
- AI and biosecurity
- AI and cybersecurity
- National security law and AI
- AI infrastructure governance
- Administrative law and AI
- Constitutional law and AI
- International AI regulation
- AI applications within judicial systems
- Industrial policy and artificial intelligence
- Labor law implications of AI
- Tax policy and AI-driven economies
- State capacity and technological governance
- Corporate governance of AI companies
- Antitrust issues and AI safety
- The European Union AI Act
- AI testing and evaluation frameworks
- Transparency and accountability policies
- Legal alignment and law-following AI systems
How to Apply for LawAI Academic Fellowship?
- Fill out the application form by July 31, 2026
- Initial screening call
- Interview with LawAI staff
- Interview with possible supervisor(s)
- Background checks
- Employment offer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the LawAI Academic Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the LawAI Academic Fellowship?
The LawAI Academic Fellowship is a fully funded, two-year program for aspiring legal scholars who intend to go on the US academic job market. Fellows produce legal scholarship on the law of transformative artificial intelligence, with mentorship and resources to prepare for a career in US legal academia.
What is the salary for the fellowship?
The salary for the position is $130,000 per year. The fellowship is fully funded and includes additional benefits such as health insurance, pension/401(k) contributions, and reimbursement funds for professional development, mental health, and equipment.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications close on July 31, 2026. The application form is available via Airtable. Late applications are not mentioned, so it is best to submit before the deadline.
Who is eligible for the fellowship?
Eligible candidates plan to pursue a career in US legal academia, have strong academic performance in law school, and possess post-law school experience such as a clerkship, private sector practice, or public service. Additional advanced degrees and a publication record are preferred but not required.
What are the research areas of interest?
LawAI is interested in a wide range of legal research on transformative AI, including risk regulation, liability, biosecurity, cybersecurity, national security, administrative law, constitutional law, international regulation, labor law, tax law, and more. Methodologies include law and economics, legal philosophy, empirical studies, and comparative law.
Is teaching required during the fellowship?
No, teaching is not required. However, fellows may seek teaching opportunities to support their job applications. LawAI and its affiliates may help secure teaching positions at interested institutions, but cannot guarantee placement.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The initial term is two years. There is a possibility of extension for an additional year, contingent upon strong performance and funding availability. The fellowship is full-time.
Where is the fellowship located?
The fellowship offers flexible working hours and location. Fellows are required to spend at least one month per year in-person with the LawAI team in either Washington, DC, or Cambridge, UK. Most fellows are expected to work from the US.
Does LawAI provide visa support?
LawAI may be able to support visa applications in some instances for this role, though individual eligibility is not within their control. Candidates should discuss visa needs during the application process.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
To apply, fill out the application form on Airtable by July 31, 2026. The process includes an initial screening call, interviews with LawAI staff and possible supervisors, background checks, and an employment offer. Referrals are eligible for a $5,000 reward.
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