Aspiring legal academics with an interest in artificial intelligence now have a rare opportunity to launch their research careers through a new fellowship offering an annual salary of $130,000 and extensive academic support.
- Aspiring legal academics with an interest in artificial intelligence now have a rare opportunity to launch their research careers through...
- The Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) has opened applications for its inaugural Law & AI Academic Fellowship, a two-year...
- The programme seeks to equip fellows with the resources, mentorship and professional development opportunities needed to compete successfully in the...
- LawAI also encourages interdisciplinary work that combines legal scholarship with fields such as economics, philosophy, history and computer science.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on Academia — everything you need to know is covered below.
The Institute for Law & AI (LawAI) has opened applications for its inaugural Law & AI Academic Fellowship, a two-year programme aimed at preparing emerging scholars for careers in United States legal academia. Applications will remain open until 31 July 2026. The fellowship focuses on advancing research into the legal, regulatory and governance challenges arising from increasingly powerful AI technologies.
Building the Next Generation of AI Law Experts
LawAI says the fellowship offers an alternative pathway to traditional university-based law fellowships and Visiting Assistant Professor programmes. Participants will spend most of their time conducting independent legal research and producing scholarship intended for publication in leading law journals.
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The programme seeks to equip fellows with the resources, mentorship and professional development opportunities needed to compete successfully in the legal academic job market. Unlike many academic fellowships, the initiative does not include mandatory teaching duties, allowing participants to focus primarily on research and writing.
Researching the Legal Future of Artificial Intelligence
The fellowship welcomes applicants interested in examining how advanced AI systems could affect law, governance, security and society.
Areas of interest include AI risk regulation, liability for AI-related harms, cybersecurity, biosecurity, constitutional law, administrative law, international AI regulation and corporate governance. Researchers may also explore issues such as AI infrastructure governance, labour law, taxation and the implications of AI for judicial systems.
LawAI also encourages interdisciplinary work that combines legal scholarship with fields such as economics, philosophy, history and computer science.
Strong Focus on Academic Independence
A distinguishing feature of the fellowship is its commitment to academic freedom. Fellows will retain full control over their research questions, methodologies, conclusions and publication decisions.
According to the institute, external funders will not influence hiring decisions or research outcomes. Fellows will also be free to publish findings that challenge or criticise positions held by the organisation or its supporters.
Salary, Funding and Career Support
Successful applicants will receive an annual salary of $130,000, along with a wide range of benefits. These include flexible remote working arrangements, paid leave, pension contributions, health support where applicable, and annual funding for professional development, mental health services and equipment.
Additional support covers research assistants, academic resources, conference travel and mentoring from established scholars. Fellows will also receive guidance on academic job applications, interviews and career progression.
While remote work is permitted, participants will be expected to spend at least one month each year working in person with the LawAI team and attending key retreats, conferences and academic events. Travel costs associated with these activities will be covered by the organisation.