The LawAI Summer Fellowship 2027 offers an unusual opportunity for law students, legal professionals and academics interested in artificial intelligence, law and public policy.
The Institute for Law & AI runs the paid program.
The 2027 fellowship lasts 10 weeks, from:
14 June to 20 August 2027
LawAI strongly encourages fellows to participate in person in Washington, DC.
Selected fellows receive a:
$2,000 weekly subsidy
In addition, fellows who relocate to Washington, DC, receive a:
$10,000 relocation and housing stipend
The fellowship also includes mentorship, professional development, networking, research opportunities and funded participation in selected LawAI events.
Applications close on:
29 January 2027 at 11:59 PM ET
Candidates interested in applying should read the official LawAI Summer Fellowship page before preparing their application.
LawAI Summer Fellowship 2027 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | LawAI Summer Fellowship (US) |
| Organization | Institute for Law & AI |
| Location | Washington, DC, USA |
| Dates | 14 June–20 August 2027 |
| Duration | 10 weeks |
| Commitment | Full-time |
| Weekly Subsidy | $2,000 |
| Relocation & Housing Stipend | $10,000 for fellows relocating to DC |
| Convening Week | 21–25 June 2027 |
| Main Field | AI, Law & Public Policy |
| Format | Primarily in-person |
| Remote Participation | Considered case by case |
| Deadline | 29 January 2027, 11:59 PM ET |
| Final Decisions | Expected by mid-March 2027 |
What Is the LawAI Summer Fellowship?
The LawAI Summer Fellowship is a paid professional and research program at the intersection of:
- Artificial intelligence
- Law
- Public policy
- AI governance
- Regulation
- Legal research
It is organized by the Institute for Law & AI, also known as LawAI.
LawAI is an independent think tank that researches legal questions created by advances in artificial intelligence.
Its work includes research and advice involving governments, international organizations, public institutions and private organizations.
The Summer Fellowship gives selected participants an opportunity to work closely with researchers and other experts dealing with current AI law and policy questions.
What Will LawAI Summer Fellows Do?
Each fellow works with a mentor to develop a project suited to their:
- Experience
- Legal knowledge
- Interests
- Skills
- Professional goals
Projects can take different forms.
Some fellows may concentrate on one substantial research project.
For example, they might:
- Draft a research report
- Develop a policy brief
- Write a law review article
- Conduct legal research
- Support an existing LawAI project
Other fellows may contribute to several research or advisory projects.
The exact project depends on the fellow’s interests and LawAI’s research priorities.
Opportunities to Work on Real Policy Questions
This is not simply a classroom-based summer program.
Depending on the project, fellows may have opportunities to contribute to work relevant to:
- Policymakers
- Government
- Researchers
- Think tanks
- Private-sector organizations
The purpose is to apply legal reasoning to emerging questions surrounding advanced artificial intelligence.
Fellows therefore need strong analytical and research skills.
U.S. Law and Policy Focus
This particular fellowship track has a strong emphasis on:
United States law and policy.
Applicants should understand this distinction.
LawAI operates several seasonal fellowship tracks. The U.S. Summer Fellowship is intended for candidates who can meaningfully engage with legal questions involving the United States.
Applicants should therefore review LawAI’s U.S. Law and Policy work before applying.
Who Can Apply?
LawAI welcomes applications from people with different levels of experience.
Potential applicants include:
- Law students
- Legal professionals
- Lawyers
- Policy professionals
- Legal researchers
- Academics
- People with comparable professional legal experience
However, this is not a general youth fellowship open simply on the basis of interest in artificial intelligence.
Applicants should have a relevant legal foundation.
Legal Background Requirement
Applicants should demonstrate a strong understanding of legal principles relevant to AI regulation in U.S. law and policy.
This may come through:
- Formal U.S. legal study, or
- Comparable professional experience.
The official information specifically gives an incoming 1L as an example of formal U.S. legal study that can satisfy the expected foundation.
Therefore, applicants do not necessarily need to be experienced lawyers.
However, they should be capable of engaging seriously with legal analysis.
Do You Need Previous AI Experience?
Not necessarily.
LawAI welcomes applicants with different levels of previous knowledge about AI, law and policy.
A strong legal foundation and an ability to think carefully about AI governance questions may be more important than having years of previous AI-specific employment.
Applicants should still familiarize themselves with LawAI’s research before applying.
This will help them understand whether their interests fit the fellowship.
Can International Applicants Apply?
Yes, LawAI’s seasonal fellowship system accepts applicants internationally.
However, the U.S. track expects relevant experience with U.S. law, either through study or professional work.
An applicant can therefore have studied or practiced U.S. law and now live in another country.
International applicants should also consider immigration requirements carefully.
Participation in the United States depends on holding appropriate visa or immigration authorization.
Is This Fellowship Fully Funded?
Pathfinderly recommends describing it as:
A paid fellowship.
That is the terminology used by LawAI itself.
The financial package is generous, but “paid fellowship” is more accurate than applying a broad “fully funded” label.
The fellowship provides:
- $2,000 weekly subsidy
- $10,000 relocation and housing stipend for eligible fellows relocating to Washington, DC
- Covered eligible travel for Convening Week
- Covered eligible travel for the Summer Institute on Law and AI
- Mentorship
- Professional development
- Networking opportunities
Candidates with exceptional experience or qualifications may be eligible for a higher subsidy.
$2,000 Weekly Subsidy
Summer Fellows receive:
$2,000 per week.
The fellowship runs for 10 weeks.
At the standard rate, this corresponds to:
$20,000 across 10 weeks.
Candidates with exceptional qualifications or experience may qualify for a higher amount.
Applicants should treat their formal fellowship offer as the final authority on compensation.
$10,000 Relocation and Housing Stipend
The U.S. Summer Fellowship is designed primarily as an in-person program in Washington, DC.
Fellows who relocate to Washington for the summer receive:
$10,000
as a relocation and housing stipend.
LawAI states that this payment is treated as taxable income.
No reimbursement or receipts are required for this stipend.
This gives relocating fellows flexibility in arranging their accommodation and relocation.
Is Housing Provided Directly?
The official benefit is described as a:
Relocation and housing stipend.
That is different from LawAI automatically assigning every fellow a hotel room or apartment.
Eligible relocating fellows receive the $10,000 payment and can use it toward their relocation and housing needs.
Applicants should therefore plan their Washington accommodation carefully after receiving an offer.
Convening Week in Washington, DC
The fellowship includes a dedicated:
Convening Week
from:
21–25 June 2027
in Washington, DC.
Eligible travel expenses are covered.
These include:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Meals
The week provides an opportunity for fellows to interact more closely with LawAI staff and other participants.
Summer Institute on Law and AI
Fellows also receive admission to the:
Summer Institute on Law and AI
in Washington, DC, during July.
Eligible travel expenses for this event are also covered, including:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Meals
This adds another professional-development and networking component to the fellowship.
Mentorship
Mentorship is a major part of the LawAI Summer Fellowship.
Each fellow works with research staff or affiliates.
Mentors help participants:
- Develop their project
- Refine research questions
- Consider appropriate outputs
- Improve their work
- Think about career development
The fellowship therefore combines independent work with structured professional guidance.
Expert Q&A Sessions
Summer Fellows can also participate in Q&A sessions with experts working in relevant fields.
These interactions can expose fellows to different perspectives on:
- AI regulation
- Technology policy
- Legal research
- Government
- AI governance
- Emerging technology
Such sessions complement the fellow’s individual research project.
Networking and Career Planning
The program includes U.S. Law and Policy networking opportunities and career-planning resources.
Previous LawAI summer fellows have gone on to work in areas including:
- Government
- AI companies
- Academia
- Think tanks
- AI law and policy organizations
However, fellowship participation does not guarantee a future job.
Instead, it provides experience, mentorship and professional connections that may support future career development.
Possible Future Collaboration
LawAI also mentions opportunities to explore future collaboration after the fellowship.
These could potentially include:
- Follow-on research funding
- Grants
- Invitations to future events
- Additional projects
- Job openings
These opportunities are possibilities rather than guaranteed outcomes for every fellow.
Is the Fellowship In Person?
Primarily, yes.
LawAI strongly encourages fellows to participate in person in:
Washington, DC.
The organization explains that being embedded in the team and the wider Washington policy community contributes significantly to the fellowship experience.
However, remote arrangements may be considered in certain cases.
Can You Participate Remotely?
Potentially.
LawAI may consider remote participation on a:
Case-by-case basis.
Applicants should have a compelling reason.
An example could include family commitments that make relocation difficult.
Remote participation should therefore not be assumed to be the standard arrangement.
For law students in particular, the ability to participate in person is a factor in selection.
Full-Time Commitment
Summer Fellows are expected to participate:
Full-time.
Participants should be prepared to:
- Work on their fellowship project
- Attend regular team meetings
- Give occasional presentations
- Discuss research
- Provide feedback on other projects
- Participate in cohort activities
Applicants should consider whether they can realistically commit to the full program before applying.
Can the Fellowship Dates Be Changed?
The standard fellowship dates are:
14 June–20 August 2027.
LawAI strongly prefers full participation during this period.
In exceptional circumstances, the organization may consider adjustments to the start or end date.
Requests are reviewed individually.
Applicants who require an adjustment should mention it in their application.
English Language Requirement
LawAI expects Seasonal Fellows to have:
Full professional fluency in spoken and written English.
This is necessary because fellows participate in:
- Research
- Discussions
- Meetings
- Presentations
- Professional collaboration
However, the fellowship information does not establish a general IELTS or TOEFL score requirement.
Professional fluency and standardized language testing are not the same thing.
Visa and Immigration Requirements
International candidates who need permission to participate in the United States must satisfy the applicable immigration requirements.
LawAI indicates that, after an offer, it will make reasonable efforts to support visa sponsorship where appropriate.
However, this depends on:
- The candidate
- Their location
- Applicable immigration rules
- Relevant authorities
The final decision rests with the appropriate government authorities.
Therefore:
A fellowship offer does not guarantee a U.S. visa.
How to Apply for the LawAI Summer Fellowship
Applications are completed online.
Step 1: Read the Official Fellowship Description
Start with the official LawAI Summer Fellowship page.
Read the U.S. Law and Policy research information before applying.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
The initial application should take approximately:
20 minutes.
Provide accurate information about your legal background, experience and interests.
Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline
Applications must be submitted by:
29 January 2027 at 11:59 PM ET.
LawAI states that late applications cannot be assessed.
Step 4: Asynchronous Exploratory Interview
Applicants who advance can be invited to an asynchronous interview lasting approximately:
20 minutes.
This stage explores your perspective on:
- AI development
- Society
- Law
- Public policy
Step 5: Project Interview
The next stage is a:
45-minute project interview.
You will speak with a member of LawAI’s research staff.
Discussion can cover:
- Your research interests
- Professional goals
- Potential fellowship project
- Fit with LawAI
You can also ask questions about the fellowship.
Step 6: Final Decision
LawAI aims to provide final decisions by:
Mid-March 2027.
Applicants who require a decision by a particular date can mention this in their application.
How to Strengthen Your Application
This is a specialized fellowship.
Generic statements about being interested in artificial intelligence will probably say little about your suitability.
Instead, demonstrate how your background connects with:
- Law
- AI governance
- Regulation
- Public policy
- Legal institutions
- Technology
- Government
Show evidence where possible.
Understand LawAI’s Research Before Applying
Applicants should spend time reading LawAI’s:
- U.S. Law and Policy work
- Research directions
- Publications
- Current projects
This can help you identify a genuine research interest.
Your proposed ideas do not need to reproduce LawAI’s existing work.
However, they should connect meaningfully with its mission and research priorities.
Think About a Potential Project
Summer Fellows have considerable discretion over the form of their work.
Potential outputs could include:
- Law review article
- Policy brief
- Research report
- Legal analysis
- Advisory research
You do not necessarily need a completed research proposal before applying.
Still, thinking seriously about possible topics can help during the project interview.
LawAI Summer Fellowship vs Other International Fellowships
The LawAI Summer Fellowship differs substantially from many international fellowships featured on Pathfinderly.
It is a specialized, paid professional fellowship centered on law, artificial intelligence and policy.
Applicants looking for doctoral research funding can instead explore the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme, which supports full-time PhD study at participating universities in Hong Kong.
Experienced professionals looking for a broader international leadership residency can also explore the Yale World Fellows Program, a four-month fellowship at Yale University for accomplished practitioners from around the world.
Law students interested in gaining practical experience at an international law firm can also explore Baker McKenzie Internships. The firm offers paid summer clerkships, international clerkships and other student programmes, with eligibility and recruitment schedules varying by location.
These programs serve completely different purposes.
LawAI is better understood as a short professional and research fellowship, while HKPFS is a multi-year doctoral funding scheme.
LawAI Summer Fellowship vs Silicon Valley Fellowship
The Silicon Valley Fellowship focuses on exposure to the technology and startup ecosystem, including founders, companies, mentors and professional networks.
LawAI has a much narrower academic and professional focus.
Its participants work specifically on:
- AI law
- Regulation
- Legal research
- Governance
- Public policy
Someone primarily interested in entrepreneurship and startup exposure may find Silicon Valley more relevant.
A candidate with legal training who wants to work on AI governance may find LawAI more closely aligned with their background.
Common Application Mistakes
Avoid:
- Calling the fellowship automatically “fully funded”
- Applying without understanding U.S. law and policy
- Treating it as a general AI internship
- Assuming prior interest in AI alone is enough
- Ignoring the legal-background expectation
- Assuming remote participation is automatic
- Assuming a fellowship offer guarantees a visa
- Giving vague research interests
- Ignoring LawAI’s current research
- Missing the 11:59 PM ET deadline
- Assuming future employment with LawAI is guaranteed
- Confusing the relocation stipend with directly provided housing
The safest description is:
Paid Law and AI fellowship.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the LawAI Summer Fellowship 2027?
The fellowship runs from 14 June to 20 August 2027.
How long is the fellowship?
It lasts 10 weeks.
Where is the fellowship based?
The U.S. track is designed primarily for in-person participation in Washington, DC.
How much are fellows paid?
The standard weekly subsidy is $2,000.
How much is the relocation stipend?
Fellows relocating to Washington, DC, receive a $10,000 relocation and housing stipend.
Is this a fully funded fellowship?
LawAI describes it as a paid fellowship. That is the wording Pathfinderly recommends using.
Are international applicants eligible?
Yes, but U.S.-track applicants should have relevant U.S. legal study or comparable professional experience. Appropriate immigration authorization is also required for the location of participation.
Do I need previous AI experience?
Extensive prior AI expertise is not necessarily required. However, applicants need an appropriate legal foundation and should be prepared to work seriously on AI law and policy.
Is IELTS required?
No general IELTS or TOEFL score is listed, but full professional fluency in written and spoken English is expected.
Can I participate remotely?
LawAI may consider remote arrangements case by case, but the program strongly encourages in-person participation in Washington, DC.
What is Convening Week?
The fellowship includes a Washington, DC Convening Week from 21–25 June 2027, with eligible travel expenses covered.
When is the deadline?
Applications close on:
29 January 2027 at 11:59 PM ET.
Final Thoughts
The LawAI Summer Fellowship 2027 is a strong opportunity for people who already have a legal foundation and want to work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, law and public policy.
The fellowship runs for 10 weeks from:
14 June to 20 August 2027.
Selected fellows receive a standard:
$2,000 weekly subsidy.
Those relocating to Washington, DC, also receive a:
$10,000 relocation and housing stipend.
In addition, fellows gain access to mentorship, expert discussions, professional networking, career planning and funded participation in selected LawAI events.
However, this is a specialized program.
Applicants should understand U.S. legal principles relevant to AI regulation through formal legal study or comparable professional experience.
Applications close on:
29 January 2027 at 11:59 PM ET
Read the official LawAI Summer Fellowship information carefully before applying.
Last verified: September 2026
Pathfinderly provides fellowship information for educational purposes. Dates, subsidies, relocation support, travel benefits, immigration arrangements and program conditions can change. Always confirm current details with the Institute for Law & AI before making financial or travel decisions.