Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) Summer Research Fellowship 2026

The Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) is now accepting applications for its Summer Research Fellowship 2026. This is a paid program designed for graduate law students, professionals, and academics to engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of AI, law, and policy, with a particular focus on EU Law.

📖 About the Fellowship

The LawAI Summer Research Fellowship offers participants the opportunity to:

• Work on advanced topics in AI, law, and policy.
• Receive tailored research mentorship and career planning.
• Collaborate with policymakers, researchers, and leaders in the field.

💼 Benefits

Participants in the fellowship will receive the following benefits:

• Weekly compensation: €1,000.
  • An additional €1,000 per week is available to support living costs for fellows working in person at the Cambridge, UK office.
  • Candidates with exceptional qualifications may be eligible for higher compensation.
• Admission to the Cambridge Forum on Law and AI (August 18–23), with eligible travel expenses covered (flights, accommodation, and meals).
• Close mentorship from LawAI research staff and affiliates.
• Q&A sessions with leading experts in the field.
• Networking opportunities in EU AI law and policy, along with career planning resources.
• Opportunities for future collaborations, including:
  • Follow-on funding through grants.
  • Invitations to upcoming events.
  • Potential projects or job openings with LawAI.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Legal Knowledge:

   • Strong understanding of legal principles related to AI regulation in EU Law.
   • Open to applicants from all countries, including those with non-EU qualifications or who are not qualified to practice law in the EU.

2. Interest in AI Law and Policy:

   • While prior experience in AI-specific research is not required, candidates should have an interest in applying their legal knowledge to AI-related governance questions.

3. Backgrounds of Past Fellows:

   • Graduate law students (e.g., LLM, JD), PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers.
   • Professionals transitioning into AI-focused roles in research, academia, government, or industry.
   • Legal academics.

4. Commitment:

   • Full-time availability from June 29 to September 4, 2026.
   • Ability to attend the in-person week in Cambridge, UK (July 6–10), with travel expenses covered.

5. Work Authorization:

   • Participation is contingent on holding valid work authorization for the location in which you will be based.
   • Visa sponsorship may be available, but eligibility depends on the candidate and relevant authorities.

📝 Application Process

Step 1: Submit Application

Complete the application form by 11:59 PM ET on January 30, 2026. The application takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. Late applications will not be assessed.

Step 2: Asynchronous Exploratory Interview (30 minutes)

• This interview will explore your perspective on AI development and its implications for society, law, and policy.

Step 3: Research Interview (60 minutes)

• Discuss your research interests, goals, and fit for the program with a member of the research staff.
• You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

Step 4: Decision

• Final decisions will be communicated by mid-March 2026.
• If you require a decision by a specific date, please indicate this in your application.

📅 Key Dates

• Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
• Fellowship Duration: June 29 – September 4, 2026
• In-Person Week in Cambridge, UK: July 6 – 10, 2026
• Cambridge Forum on Law and AI: August 18 – 23, 2026

🌍 Diversity and Equal Opportunity

The Institute for Law & AI is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, disability, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, or if you have questions about the application process, please contact programs@law-ai.org.

🔗 Application Portal

• View more details about the fellowship on the official website.
• Apply directly via the application form.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the evolving field of AI and law while advancing your career in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. Don't miss out!

• Weekly compensation: €1,000, with an additional €1,000 per week available to support living costs.
• Admission to the Cambridge Forum on Law and AI, from August 18 to 23, with eligible travel expenses covered.
• Close mentorship from our research staff and affiliates.
• Q&A sessions with leading experts in the field.
• EU AI law and policy networking opportunities and career planning resources.
• Opportunities to explore future collaborations, such as follow-on funding through grants, invitations to upcoming events, and potential projects or job openings with LawAI.