Application Guide
How to Apply for Summer Research Fellowship (Legal Frontiers)
at Institute for Law & AI
🏢 About Institute for Law & AI
The Institute for Law & AI is a pioneering think tank at the intersection of law and artificial intelligence, dedicated to shaping the legal and regulatory frameworks for AI. As an independent, remote-first organization, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge policy research that influences global AI governance, with a strong emphasis on mentorship and collaboration.
About This Role
This 10-week paid summer research fellowship is designed for law students and professionals to dive deep into AI law and policy. Fellows will develop and execute a tailored research project on topics like law-following AI or automated governance, under expert mentorship, and participate in a Convening Week in Washington, DC, to network with leading policy minds. The role is impactful as it contributes to the Institute's mission of ensuring AI aligns with legal and societal values.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with your mentor to discuss progress on your research project. You'll spend the day conducting legal and policy research, drafting sections of your paper, and perhaps attending an online expert Q&A session. In the afternoon, you might collaborate with other fellows on a shared document or participate in a webinar, with flexibility to structure your day around your research needs.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Institute for Law & AI Is Looking For
- -
- S
- t
- r
- o
- n
- g
- l
- e
- g
- a
- l
- b
- a
- c
- k
- g
- r
- o
- u
- n
- d
- (
- e
- .
- g
- .
- ,
- l
- a
- w
- s
- t
- u
- d
- e
- n
- t
- o
- r
- p
- r
- o
- f
- e
- s
- s
- i
- o
- n
- a
- l
- )
- O
- R
- e
- x
- c
- e
- p
- t
- i
- o
- n
- a
- l
- e
- x
- p
- e
- r
- t
- i
- s
- e
- i
- n
- c
- o
- m
- p
- u
- t
- e
- r
- s
- c
- i
- e
- n
- c
- e
- ,
- p
- o
- l
- i
- c
- y
- ,
- e
- c
- o
- n
- o
- m
- i
- c
- s
- ,
- o
- r
- r
- e
- l
- a
- t
- e
- d
- f
- i
- e
- l
- d
- s
- .
- -
- D
- e
- e
- p
- u
- n
- d
- e
- r
- s
- t
- a
- n
- d
- i
- n
- g
- o
- f
- U
- S
- ,
- E
- U
- ,
- o
- r
- U
- K
- l
- a
- w
- a
- n
- d
- p
- o
- l
- i
- c
- y
- ;
- p
- r
- i
- o
- r
- A
- I
- -
- s
- p
- e
- c
- i
- f
- i
- c
- e
- x
- p
- e
- r
- i
- e
- n
- c
- e
- i
- s
- n
- o
- t
- r
- e
- q
- u
- i
- r
- e
- d
- .
- -
- A
- b
- i
- l
- i
- t
- y
- t
- o
- w
- o
- r
- k
- f
- u
- l
- l
- -
- t
- i
- m
- e
- (
- J
- u
- n
- e
- 1
- 4
- –
- A
- u
- g
- u
- s
- t
- 2
- 0
- ,
- 2
- 0
- 2
- 7
- )
- i
- n
- a
- r
- e
- m
- o
- t
- e
- -
- f
- i
- r
- s
- t
- e
- n
- v
- i
- r
- o
- n
- m
- e
- n
- t
- ,
- w
- i
- t
- h
- p
- o
- t
- e
- n
- t
- i
- a
- l
- f
- o
- r
- i
- n
- -
- p
- e
- r
- s
- o
- n
- p
- a
- r
- t
- i
- c
- i
- p
- a
- t
- i
- o
- n
- .
- -
- E
- x
- c
- e
- l
- l
- e
- n
- t
- r
- e
- s
- e
- a
- r
- c
- h
- ,
- a
- n
- a
- l
- y
- t
- i
- c
- a
- l
- ,
- a
- n
- d
- w
- r
- i
- t
- i
- n
- g
- s
- k
- i
- l
- l
- s
- ,
- w
- i
- t
- h
- t
- h
- e
- a
- b
- i
- l
- i
- t
- y
- t
- o
- w
- o
- r
- k
- i
- n
- d
- e
- p
- e
- n
- d
- e
- n
- t
- l
- y
- a
- n
- d
- c
- o
- l
- l
- a
- b
- o
- r
- a
- t
- i
- v
- e
- l
- y
- .
📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for Law & AI
Tailor your research proposal to the Institute's focus areas, such as law-following AI or automated governance, and demonstrate how your background and interests align with these topics.
Highlight any relevant coursework, publications, or projects that show your understanding of legal and regulatory systems, even if not AI-specific.
Emphasize your ability to work remotely and independently, as the fellowship is remote-first, and mention any experience with virtual collaboration tools.
Show your commitment to the full 10-week period and your willingness to participate in the Convening Week in DC or other in-person events.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your background (legal, CS, policy, etc.) to the research topics, and explain how the fellowship would advance your career goals.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express your passion for AI law and policy and your interest in the Institute's specific research agenda.", 'Detail your relevant skills and experiences, such as legal research, policy analysis, or technical expertise, and how they prepare you for this fellowship.', "Describe a specific research idea you would like to pursue during the fellowship, showing initiative and alignment with the Institute's goals.", 'Mention your ability to thrive in a remote work environment and your eagerness to engage with a global network of experts.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore the Institute's recent publications and reports on AI regulation, law-following AI, and automated governance to understand their current focus.
- → Read about the backgrounds of the mentors and staff to understand their expertise and potential research interests.
- → Familiarize yourself with key AI policy debates in the US, EU, and UK, such as the EU AI Act, US executive orders on AI, and UK's AI regulation proposals.
- → Look into the Institute's past fellowship projects to see the types of research conducted and the outcomes.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application that does not address the specific research areas of the Institute.
- Underestimating the remote-first nature and not demonstrating experience or comfort with remote collaboration.
- Failing to clearly articulate how your background (legal, CS, etc.) is relevant to AI policy, even if you lack direct AI experience.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: January 29, 2027
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 Institute for Law & AI!