Application Guide

How to Apply for Counsel

at Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology

🏢 About Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology

LASST is a mission-driven, fully remote legal nonprofit dedicated to preventing global catastrophes from unsafe science and technology. Joining this small, family-friendly team means you'll have significant autonomy and the chance to shape the organization's legal strategy from the ground up.

About This Role

As Counsel, you'll be at the forefront of using legal tools to mitigate risks from AI and biotechnology. Your work will involve developing impact litigation, advocating for policy changes, and educating the legal community, making a direct impact on global safety.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching emerging AI or biotech risks, drafting legal memos or complaints, and strategizing with the team via video calls. You might also engage in public outreach, such as writing blog posts or presenting to legal professionals, to educate others about these issues.

🎯 Who Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology Is Looking For

  • A licensed attorney with 3+ years of legal experience, ideally in litigation, administrative law, or policy advocacy.
  • Strong interest and understanding of emerging technologies like AI and biotech, with the ability to grasp complex technical concepts.
  • Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills, with a track record of producing high-quality work product.
  • Self-starter who thrives in a remote, autonomous environment and can manage multiple projects with flexibility.

📝 Tips for Applying to Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology

1

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight any experience or coursework in technology law, public interest litigation, or risk assessment.

2

Demonstrate your understanding of LASST's mission by mentioning specific risks (e.g., AI safety, biosecurity) and how your skills can address them.

3

Showcase your ability to work independently with examples of remote collaboration or self-directed projects.

4

If you have any experience with public records requests, impact litigation, or policy drafting, make it prominent.

5

Proofread for errors, but more importantly, ensure your application clearly connects your legal expertise to the mission of preventing global catastrophes.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Express genuine passion for the mission and explain why you want to use your legal skills for this cause.', "Highlight specific legal skills (litigation, research, policy analysis) and how they apply to LASST's work.", 'Mention your ability to work flexibly and autonomously in a remote setting, and how you align with their family-friendly culture.', "Show that you've researched LASST and can speak to their approach (e.g., impact litigation, public advocacy)."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Read LASST's website and any published articles or press releases to understand their current focus areas.
  • Research recent developments in AI and biotech policy, such as executive orders, proposed legislation, or major lawsuits.
  • Look into the backgrounds of LASST's founders and team members to understand their approach and priorities.
  • Familiarize yourself with key legal frameworks relevant to technology risks, like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or administrative procedure.
Visit Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach developing an impact litigation strategy for a new AI risk?
2 Describe a time you had to quickly learn a complex technical subject to inform legal strategy.
3 How do you stay organized and productive while working remotely with little supervision?
4 What are the biggest legal challenges in regulating AI or biotechnology, and how might LASST address them?
5 How do you handle ethical dilemmas when advocating for public safety against powerful interests?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid a generic cover letter that doesn't mention LASST's specific mission or the technologies they focus on.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of technical fluency; be prepared to discuss AI or biotech concepts.
  • Avoid emphasizing a desire for a traditional corporate law career; this role is about mission-driven advocacy, not billable hours.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology!