Institute for Law & AI’s Summer Research Fellowship (US) 2026

The Institute for Law & AI has opened applications for its Summer Research Fellowship (US) 2026. This is a paid program designed to provide law students, professionals, and academics with the opportunity to work at the forefront of AI law and policy, with a particular focus on United States Law and Policy.

🏛️ About The Fellowship

The Summer Research Fellowship supports intellectual and professional development by combining:

• Tailored research mentorship
• Career planning
• Opportunities to apply legal thinking to current governance questions alongside policymakers, researchers, and other leaders in the field

🎁 Benefits of the Fellowship

Participants in the program will receive the following benefits:

• Weekly compensation: $1,500 (higher possible for exceptional candidates)
• Travel, accommodation, and meals covered for the in-person week and the mid-July Summer Institute in Washington, D.C.
• Close mentorship, networking, and career planning resources
• Access to Q&A sessions with leading experts
• Potential follow-on collaborations, including grants, events, and job opportunities

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Strong understanding of U.S. legal principles applicable to AI regulation
• Open to:
  • Graduate law students (JD, LLM)
  • PhD candidates
  • Postdocs
  • Professionals and academics
• Full-time commitment required for the fellowship duration
• Must attend the in-person week
• Visa sponsorship may be possible, depending on candidate circumstances and authorities
• Valid work authorization required

📝 Application Process

Step 1: Submit Application Form

• Complete the application form by 11:59 pm ET on January 30, 2026.
• The application process takes approximately 20 minutes.
• Note: Late applications will not be assessed.

Step 2: Asynchronous Exploratory Interview

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Purpose: To understand your perspective on AI development and its implications for society, law, and policy.

Step 3: Research Interview

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Speak with a member of the research staff to discuss:
  • Your research interests
  • Goals
  • Fit for the program
• Opportunity to ask questions about the fellowship.

Step 4: Decision

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

📅 Application Deadline

• 30 January, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

• View more details about The Institute for Law & AI’s Summer Research Fellowship.
• Apply directly via the application form.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the evolving field of AI law and policy while gaining valuable mentorship and professional development. Don't miss out!

• Weekly compensation: $1,500 (higher possible for exceptional candidates).
• Travel, accommodation, and meals covered for in-person week and mid-July Summer Institute in Washington, D.C.
• Close mentorship, networking, and career planning resources.
• Access to Q&A sessions with leading experts.
• Potential follow-on collaborations (grants, events, job opportunities).