Institute for Law & Al's Summer Research Fellowship 2026

The Institute for Law & AI's Summer Research Fellowship is a paid program designed for law students, professionals, and academics to engage in cutting-edge work at the intersection of AI law and policy, with a focus on United States Law and Policy. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to develop intellectually and professionally through mentorship, career planning, and collaboration with policymakers, researchers, and leaders in the field.

🏛️ About the Fellowship

The fellowship provides participants with the chance to:

• Work on AI law and policy issues.
• Receive tailored research mentorship.
• Engage in career planning and networking opportunities.
• Collaborate with policymakers and researchers.

Past Fellows have gone on to roles at the US Department of Commerce, leading AI labs, academia, and think tanks, including the Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) itself.

🎁 Benefits

Participants in the fellowship will receive:

• Weekly compensation: $1,500 (Candidates with exceptional qualifications may receive higher compensation).
• In-person week in Washington, D.C. or Berkeley, CA (June 22–26), with eligible travel expenses covered (flights, accommodation, and meals).
• Admission to the Summer Institute on Law and AI in Washington, D.C., in mid-July, with eligible travel expenses covered.
• Close mentorship from research staff and affiliates.
• Q&A sessions with leading experts in the field.
• Networking opportunities and career planning resources focused on United States Law and Policy.
• Opportunities for future collaborations, including:
  • Follow-on funding through grants.
  • Invitations to upcoming events.
  • Potential projects or job openings with LawAI.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

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

1. Legal Knowledge:

   • Strong understanding of legal principles applicable to AI regulation in US Law and Policy.
   • Interest in AI law and policy (prior experience in AI-specific research is not required).

2. Background:

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

3. Commitment:

   • Ability to commit to full-time, remote-based work from June 15 to August 21.
   • Ability to attend the in-person week in Washington, D.C. or Berkeley, CA (June 22–26).

4. Visa and Work Authorization:

   • If offered a position, the fellowship will make reasonable efforts to support visa sponsorship. However, participation is contingent on holding valid work authorization for the location where you will be based.

📅 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

• 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 and goals.
  • Your fit for the program.
  • Questions you may have about the fellowship.

Step 4: Decision

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

📌 Key Dates

• Application Deadline: January 30, 2026.
• Fellowship Duration: June 15 to August 21, 2026.
• In-Person Week: June 22–26, 2026.

🔗 Additional Information

• View details of the fellowship on the Institute for Law & AI's official page.
• Apply directly via the application form.

This fellowship is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the evolving field of AI law and policy while gaining valuable experience and mentorship. Don't miss the chance to be part of this transformative program!

• Weekly compensation: $1,500. Candidates with exceptional experience or qualifications may be eligible for higher compensation.
• An in-person week in Washington, D.C. or Berkeley, CA (June 22-26), with eligible travel expenses covered, including flights, accommodation, and meals.
• Admission to the Summer Institute on Law and AI in Washington, D.C., in mid-July, with eligible travel expenses covered, including flights, accommodation, and meals.
• Close mentorship from our research staff and affiliates.
• Q&A sessions with leading experts in the field.
• United States 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.