How to apply for Summer Fellowships

About Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology

Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology (LASST) is a nonprofit legal advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that advances in AI and biotechnology are safe for people and the planet. Unlike traditional law firms or think tanks, LASST combines cutting-edge legal research with active advocacy and litigation strategy, making it an ideal place for attorneys passionate about tech policy and biosecurity. Working here means directly influencing how emerging technologies are regulated and holding bad actors accountable.

About the role

This 10-week summer fellowship immerses you in legal research on AI governance and biotechnology regulation, with the goal of informing LASST's advocacy campaigns and litigation strategies. You'll analyze statutes, case law, and scientific literature, participate in strategy meetings, and produce a major deliverable such as a white paper or legal memo. You'll also receive mentorship from experienced attorneys and attend external briefings, including an in-person co-working session in New York City.

A typical day

A typical day might involve deep-dive legal research on a specific regulatory question, such as how existing environmental laws apply to synthetic biology, followed by a strategy meeting with attorneys to discuss findings and next steps. You might also draft sections of your white paper, attend an external briefing on AI policy, or meet with your mentor to refine your analysis. The work is intellectually rigorous and mission-driven, with a balance of independent research and collaborative problem-solving.

Who Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology is looking for

• Law student (2L or higher), recent J.D., or state bar member with a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in biosecurity, AI safety, or technology policy.
• Experience conducting legal research and writing—such as law review, moot court, or internships—with the ability to translate complex scientific and legal concepts into clear, persuasive arguments.
• Self-starter comfortable working remotely and independently, but also collaborative and eager to contribute in strategy meetings and team projects.
• Passion for LASST's mission and a desire to use legal skills to address existential and societal risks from emerging technologies.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight any coursework, papers, or work experience related to AI regulation, biotechnology law, or biosecurity—LASST values demonstrated interest in these areas.
• In your cover letter, propose a specific research topic or angle you'd like to explore during the fellowship (e.g., gaps in AI liability frameworks or CRISPR oversight) to show initiative and fit with LASST's campaigns.
• Reach out to current or former LASST fellows or staff on LinkedIn to learn about their work and mention any insights in your application—this shows genuine interest and helps you tailor your materials.
• Submit a writing sample that showcases your legal analysis and writing skills on a topic related to technology, health, or environmental law; if possible, choose something that mirrors the kind of deliverable you'd produce at LASST.
• Because the fellowship includes an in-person session in NYC, mention your availability to travel and your enthusiasm for collaborating in person, even if you're based elsewhere.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your specific interest in LASST's mission and how your background aligns with their work on AI and biotechnology regulation.", 'Concrete examples of your legal research and writing skills, especially on topics related to science, technology, or policy.', 'A proposed deliverable idea (white paper or memo) that addresses an emerging regulatory issue LASST might tackle, showing your ability to think strategically.', 'Your ability to work remotely and independently, as well as your eagerness to engage in mentorship and team strategy meetings.']

Research before applying

• Review LASST's website, especially their campaigns, publications, and any recent news or press releases, to understand their strategic priorities.
• Read key legal and policy documents related to AI and biotechnology regulation, such as the EU AI Act, U.S. executive orders on AI, or FDA guidance on gene editing.
• Follow LASST on social media and LinkedIn to see what issues they're currently highlighting and any updates about the fellowship program.
• Identify recent court cases or legislative developments in biosecurity or AI safety that LASST might be involved in or monitoring.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Your understanding of current regulatory gaps in AI governance or biotechnology oversight, and how legal advocacy can address them.
• A deep dive into your legal research and writing process, including how you handle complex scientific information.
• How you would approach producing a major deliverable (e.g., white paper) in 10 weeks, from topic selection to final draft.
• Your familiarity with LASST's past campaigns or litigation, and how you might contribute to their current priorities.
• Scenario-based questions about collaborating with scientists, policymakers, or other attorneys in a remote setting.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention LASST or the specific focus on AI and biotechnology regulation.
• Failing to demonstrate any background or genuine interest in science and technology policy—this is not a general litigation fellowship.
• Ignoring the remote aspect and not addressing how you'll stay engaged and productive while working independently.