of Law and AI Institute (LawAI) has announced applications for the inaugural Law & AI Academic Fellowship, a prestigious two-year program designed for aspiring legal scholars seeking a career in U.S. legal academia. The fellowship provides an annual salary of $130,000 and provides participants with the opportunity to conduct independent legal research focused on the challenges and opportunities presented by innovative artificial intelligence (AI).
Applications for the fellowship will be accepted until the following deadlines: July 31, 2026successful applicants will join a growing community of researchers dedicated to improving legal frameworks that support AI governance, public policy, human welfare, security, and the rule of law.
About Law & AI Academic Fellowship
The Law & AI Academic Fellowship was created as an alternative to traditional university-sponsored Visiting Assistant Professor and Law Fellowship programs. This initiative is specifically designed to help fellows prepare for the competitive U.S. legal scholar job market by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and time they need to produce high-quality legal research.
Participants will spend most of their fellowship conducting research and writing papers for publication in leading law journals. Fellows will receive mentorship from experienced academics and members of LawAI’s extensive network of legal scholars and researchers.
The program is structured so that fellows can focus primarily on research without teaching obligations, giving participants greater flexibility to build a strong academic portfolio.
About Law and AI Institute
The Institute for Law & AI is an independent think tank dedicated to addressing legal and policy challenges arising from advanced artificial intelligence technologies. The organization conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of law, technology, governance, and public policy.
LawAI works with governments, research institutions, policymakers, and private organizations to develop legal frameworks that support responsible AI development while protecting the public interest.
Its mission is focused on ensuring that sound legal analysis contributes to:
- human welfare
- global security
- effective governance
- rule of law
- Responsible technological advancement
Research field of interest
This fellowship welcomes scholars interested in investigating how innovative AI is reshaping society, economies, governments, and legal systems.
Research topics of particular interest include:
- Transformative AI risk regulations
- Responsibility for AI-related harms
- AI and biosecurity
- AI and Cybersecurity
- National security law and AI
- AI infrastructure governance
- Administrative law and AI
- Constitution and AI
- International AI regulations
- Application of AI in the judicial system
- Industrial policy and artificial intelligence
- How AI will impact labor law
- Tax policy and the AI-driven economy
- National capacity and technology governance
- Corporate governance of AI companies
- Antitrust issues and AI safety
- European Union AI Law
- AI testing and evaluation framework
- Transparency and accountability policy
- Legal adjustments and law-abiding AI systems
The fellowship also encourages interdisciplinary approaches that combine fields such as law and economics, history, philosophy, computer science, and empirical research.
Commitment to academic freedom
One of the characteristics of this program is its strong commitment to academic independence.
LawAI states that fellows will retain full control over:
- research questions
- methodology
- academic conclusion
- Publication decision
The institute also ensures that external funders do not influence recruitment decisions or research results. Fellows are free to publish work that differs from or criticizes positions held by LawAI or its supporters.
Additionally, fellows are not required to provide consulting services to LawAI clients and may choose to remain completely separate from consulting activities during the fellowship period.
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
This fellowship is designed for individuals who plan to pursue a career in U.S. law.
Strong candidates are likely to have:
- Excellent academic performance at law school
- Experience in legal practice, public service, policy, or advocacy
- Previous involvement in law reviews and academic journals
- Existing publication record
- Advanced degree or expertise
- Excellent legal research and writing skills
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to develop an original research question and produce high-quality academic research with limited supervision.
LawAI is particularly interested in candidates who are motivated to improve AI law and policy while maintaining a strong commitment to rigorous, evidence-based analysis.
Fellowship benefits and support
The Law & AI Academic Fellowship offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both professional development and personal well-being.
The main benefits are:
- Annual income is $130,000
- Flexible remote work system
- 5 weeks paid vacation each year
- 12 weeks paid parental leave
- Employer pension or 401(k) contributions
- Health insurance support if applicable
- $5,000 annual professional development fund
- $5,000 annual mental health support fund
- $2,500 annual equipment and office supplies allowance;
- Additional annual travel support for conferences and academic events
Research resources and professional development
LawAI offers a wide range of support to maximize fellows’ research productivity.
Available resources include:
- Access to cutting-edge AI tools
- Funding for books, databases, and academic materials
- Support for research assistants
- Editing and citation assistance
- Opportunities to partner with universities
- Academic guidance from top scholars
- Mock interview and job preparation
Fellows also receive financial support to attend conferences, workshops, work talks, and other professional development activities.
Work location and travel requirements
This fellowship offers significant flexibility in terms of location and working arrangements. Although many fellows are expected to be based in the United States, remote work is permitted.
However, participants must:
- Spend at least one month each year working directly with the LawAI team
- Participate in team training camps and conferences
- Travel regularly for academic workshops and job market activities
Face-to-face activities may take place in Washington DC or Cambridge, UK, and associated travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the organization.
A unique opportunity for future legal scholars
As artificial intelligence continues to transform legal systems, public institutions, and global governance, there is a growing demand for academics who can address complex legal issues arising from these technologies. The Law & AI Academic Fellowship provides an exciting opportunity for aspiring scholars to build an impactful research portfolio while contributing to some of the most important legal debates of the coming decades.
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications by the July 31, 2026 deadline to take advantage of this unique pathway to law and AI policy research.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization providing this opportunity. For inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not submit your application or resume to GSO as it cannot be processed by GSO. Due to the large volume of emails we receive every day, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
