Application Guide
How to Apply for Summer Fellowships
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 a nonprofit that uses legal advocacy to ensure advances in science and technology benefit people and the planet. Unlike traditional environmental or tech policy organizations, LASST operates at the intersection of law, emerging tech, and public safety, making it a unique place for lawyers passionate about shaping responsible innovation. Working here means directly influencing how cutting-edge science is governed, from AI to biotechnology.
About This Role
As a Summer Fellow, you'll dive into legal research on emerging regulatory issues tied to advanced science and technology, supporting LASST's advocacy campaigns. You'll investigate potential targets, analyze statutes and case law, and translate complex scientific concepts into actionable legal strategies. The fellowship culminates in a major deliverable—like a white paper or legal memo—that could shape LASST's future advocacy, giving you tangible impact and a portfolio piece.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve deep-diving into legal databases to research a specific regulatory gap, then synthesizing your findings into a memo for the advocacy team. You'll likely have a virtual strategy meeting to discuss potential targets and contribute your analysis, and you'll spend focused time drafting your major deliverable. Collaboration happens over Slack and video calls, but much of your work is independent, requiring self-motivation and strong time management.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology Is Looking For
- A law student or recent graduate with strong legal research and writing skills, ideally with coursework or experience in regulatory law, technology policy, or environmental law.
- Someone who can quickly grasp scientific and technological concepts (e.g., AI, biotech, climate tech) and synthesize them into clear legal arguments.
- A proactive self-starter comfortable working remotely and collaborating with a small, mission-driven team.
- Demonstrated interest in public interest law, advocacy, or technology governance through internships, clinics, or publications.
📝 Tips for Applying to Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology
Highlight any experience with regulatory research or technology law—even if it's from a clinic, seminar paper, or internship—and explicitly connect it to LASST's mission.
In your cover letter, propose a specific emerging tech regulatory issue you'd like to research (e.g., AI liability, gene editing oversight) to show you've thought deeply about LASST's work.
Mention your ability to work remotely and independently; LASST is a remote team, so emphasize past successes in self-directed projects.
Include a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to explain complex legal or technical concepts to a non-expert audience, as this is core to the role.
Research LASST's recent advocacy efforts or blog posts and reference them in your application to show genuine interest and alignment.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
Emphasize your ability to conduct independent legal research on emerging tech issues and translate findings into advocacy strategies. Show that you understand LASST's unique niche at the intersection of law, science, and technology, and explain why you're passionate about making innovation safer. Highlight any experience synthesizing scientific information into legal arguments, and mention a specific deliverable you'd be excited to produce (e.g., a white paper on AI regulation). Finally, convey that you're a proactive, remote-friendly collaborator who can contribute to strategy meetings from day one.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore LASST's website, especially their 'Advocacy' or 'Campaigns' pages, to understand their current priorities and past successes.
- → Read recent news or reports on regulatory gaps in emerging technologies (e.g., AI, synthetic biology, climate engineering) to identify issues LASST might tackle.
- → Look up the backgrounds of LASST's team members on LinkedIn to understand their expertise and potential mentors.
- → Familiarize yourself with key statutes and agencies relevant to tech regulation, such as the FTC, FDA, or EPA, and how they intersect with LASST's work.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention LASST or the specific intersection of law and emerging tech—this role requires demonstrated passion for the niche.
- Failing to provide a writing sample or providing one that is highly technical and inaccessible; LASST values clear communication to diverse audiences.
- Not addressing the remote nature of the role; candidates who don't show they can thrive independently may be seen as a poor fit.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: October 12, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
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 Legal Advocates for Safe Science and Technology!