Application Guide

How to Apply for Lawyer

at Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology

🏢 About Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology

Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology (LASST) is unique as a nonprofit legal advocacy organization specifically focused on making scientific and technological advances safer through legal channels. Unlike traditional law firms, LASST combines legal strategy with scientific expertise to address emerging risks in AI and biotechnology, offering lawyers the chance to work at the intersection of law, technology, and public interest advocacy.

About This Role

This remote lawyer role involves developing innovative legal strategies to address risks in AI and biotechnology, including impact litigation and policy advocacy. You'll collaborate with scientific experts, represent LASST in legal proceedings and public forums, and help shape regulatory frameworks in fast-evolving technological fields, making this position impactful for those wanting to influence how emerging technologies are governed.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning strategy sessions with scientific experts to understand new developments in AI safety, followed by drafting legal briefs or policy papers on regulatory approaches. Afternoons could include media interviews about LASST's positions, monitoring legislative hearings, and collaborating remotely with team members on upcoming advocacy campaigns.

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

  • A JD from a top law school with 3+ years of litigation or court-focused experience, possibly including federal clerkships
  • Licensed to practice in at least one US state with demonstrated ability to think creatively about legal advocacy in novel areas
  • Proven experience working collaboratively with non-legal experts (scientists, technologists) and comfortable operating independently in a remote setting
  • Background or strong interest in AI, biotechnology, or technology law with experience in policy analysis or regulatory monitoring

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

1

Highlight specific experience with impact litigation, amicus briefs, or regulatory comments related to technology, science, or public interest law

2

Demonstrate your ability to translate complex scientific/technical concepts into legal arguments by providing concrete examples from past work

3

Showcase experience with FOIA requests or similar transparency mechanisms, as this is explicitly mentioned in the job description

4

Emphasize remote work capabilities and experience collaborating effectively in distributed teams, given LASST's remote structure

5

Include examples of public-facing legal writing (blog posts, articles, op-eds) that show you can communicate legal concepts to broader audiences

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific experience with litigation strategies in emerging technology areas and how you've approached novel legal questions", 'Examples of successful collaboration with scientific or technical experts on legal matters', 'Your philosophy on balancing technological innovation with safety and ethical considerations through legal advocacy', "Why LASST's mission-driven approach to technology law appeals to you specifically, referencing their past work or publications"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review LASST's past publications, amicus briefs, and advocacy campaigns on their website to understand their specific approach
  • Research their key staff members and their backgrounds to understand the organization's expertise and network
  • Familiarize yourself with current regulatory debates around AI (like the EU AI Act or US executive orders) and biotechnology governance
  • Look into LASST's partner organizations and stakeholders in the legal, scientific, and policy communities they mention
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 develop a legal strategy for a hypothetical emerging risk in AI deployment?
2 Describe your experience working with scientific experts and how you've incorporated technical knowledge into legal arguments
3 What legislative or regulatory developments in AI or biotechnology have you been following, and what are their legal implications?
4 How do you approach drafting public-facing content that explains complex legal issues to non-lawyers?
5 Describe a time you had to think 'outside the box' in a legal context, particularly regarding novel technologies or scientific advances
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on traditional corporate law experience without showing how it applies to public interest technology advocacy
  • Failing to demonstrate specific knowledge of or interest in AI/biotechnology legal issues beyond general statements
  • Presenting as purely reactive rather than showing proactive, creative approaches to legal problem-solving in novel areas

📅 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!