Application Guide
How to Apply for (Senior) Research Scholar
at Institute for Law & AI
🏢 About Institute for Law & AI
The Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) is a unique independent think tank that focuses specifically on the legal and policy challenges of artificial intelligence, operating at the intersection of technology, law, and governance. Unlike general policy organizations, LawAI provides targeted research and advice directly to governments, international bodies, and private sector stakeholders, offering a direct pathway to influence AI regulation and policy development globally.
About This Role
As a (Senior) Research Scholar at LawAI, you'll conduct self-guided and collaborative legal research on AI's intersection with law to produce academic papers, policy reports, and regulatory analyses that directly inform beneficial AI policy. This role is impactful because your work will be used to advise key decision-makers in governments and international organizations, shaping the legal frameworks that govern AI development and deployment worldwide.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve conducting legal research on emerging AI regulations, drafting sections of a policy report for government stakeholders, participating in virtual team meetings to coordinate research efforts, and preparing analysis in response to specific requests from international organizations. You'll balance self-directed research on long-term projects with responsive work addressing immediate policy questions from LawAI's partners.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Institute for Law & AI Is Looking For
- Possesses advanced legal research skills with demonstrated experience or strong interest in technology law, AI governance, or related fields
- Has experience producing high-quality written outputs such as academic papers, policy briefs, or regulatory analyses for diverse audiences
- Can work independently on self-guided research projects while also collaborating effectively in a remote team environment
- Demonstrates ability to translate complex legal and technical concepts into actionable policy recommendations
📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for Law & AI
Highlight specific examples of legal research you've conducted at the intersection of law and technology, particularly any work related to AI governance, algorithmic accountability, or digital regulation
Include writing samples that demonstrate your ability to produce both academic papers and policy-oriented reports for non-expert audiences
Research and reference LawAI's current workstreams or publications in your application to show genuine interest in their specific research focus
Emphasize your experience with remote collaboration tools and self-directed work, given the remote nature of the position
Demonstrate your understanding of the UK's AI regulatory landscape and how LawAI's research might interface with current UK policy developments
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific interest in LawAI's mission and how your background aligns with their focus on AI law and policy", "Examples of legal research you've conducted that demonstrates your ability to analyze complex regulatory issues and produce actionable recommendations", "Your experience working with diverse stakeholders (government, international organizations, private sector) and how you've tailored communications for different audiences", 'How you approach self-guided research projects while maintaining productivity and quality in a remote work environment']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review LawAI's published reports, papers, and blog posts to understand their research focus areas and methodologies
- → Research the UK's current AI regulatory approach, including the AI Safety Institute and relevant government white papers
- → Explore the specific workstreams mentioned in LawAI's materials to identify areas where your expertise could contribute
- → Look into LawAI's leadership team and their backgrounds to understand the organization's perspective and priorities
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting generic applications that don't demonstrate specific knowledge of AI law and policy or LawAI's work
- Focusing only on technical AI knowledge without demonstrating legal research and analysis capabilities
- Failing to provide concrete examples of research outputs or policy work relevant to the intersection of law and technology
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Institute for Law & AI!