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

Deadline: January 30, 2026

Applications are open for the Institute for Law & AI’s Summer Research Fellowship 2026. The Institute for Law & AI’s Summer Research Fellowship (US) is a paid program that offers law students, professionals, and academics the opportunity to work at the leading edge of AI law and policy, with a particular focus on United States Law and Policy.

The program supports intellectual and professional development, combining tailored research mentorship with career planning and opportunities to apply legal thinking to current governance questions with policymakers, researchers, and other leaders in the field. Previous Summer Research Fellows have gone on to pursue law and policy roles at the US Department of Commerce, leading AI labs, academia, and think tanks, including LawAI itself.

Their goal is to empower the experts of today and tomorrow, ensuring that advances in artificial intelligence are beneficial and safe for everyone. They welcome applicants with various skill sets, experience levels, and degrees of knowledge in US AI, law, and policy.

Benefits

• 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 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.

Eligibility

• Applicants should have a strong understanding of the legal principles applicable to AI regulation in US Law and Policy.
• While candidates should have an interest in AI law and policy and be prepared to apply their research abilities and legal knowledge to questions in our field, prior experience or expertise in AI-specific research is not required.
• Ability to commit to full-time, remote-based work from June 15 to August 21. In exceptional circumstances, they may consider adjustments to the fellowship start or end dates; however, their strong preference is for full participation. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To be considered, note this on your application.
• Ability to attend the in-person week in Washington, D.C. or Berkeley, CA, from June 22 to 26, with eligible travel expenses covered, including flights, accommodation, and meals.
• If you receive an offer, they will make every reasonable effort to support visa sponsorship. However, the ability to do so depends on the candidate and their location, and the relevant authorities ultimately determine eligibility. Participation is contingent on holding valid work authorization for the location in which you will be based.

Application

Step 1: Submit your application form by 11:59 pm ET on January 30, 2026 (the application should take approximately 20 minutes to complete). They will not be able to assess late applications.

Step 2: Asynchronous exploratory interview (30 minutes)

• This interview aims to help them gain a deeper understanding of your perspective on AI development and its implications for society, law, and policy.

Step 3: Research interview (60 minutes)

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

Step 4: Decision

• They aim to provide all applicants with a final decision by mid-March. If you need a decision by a particular date, note this on your application form.

For more information, visit Institute for Law & AI’s Summer Research Fellowship.