Institute for Law and AI (LawAI)

The Institute for Law and AI is an independent think tank that researches and advises on the legal challenges posed by artificial intelligence. By supporting original research, engaging with policymakers, and building a field of legal professionals with the skills and knowledge to address the risks and benefits of AI, they aim to ensure that legislation and regulation are well-informed and effective in managing the development of AI.

What problem are they trying to solve?

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence poses significant challenges and risks potentially disruptive enough to affect the trajectory of human civilization. LawAI addresses the urgent need for effective governance structures to manage these risks. Because of the complexity of AI technologies, the specialized knowledge required to write effective policy, and the incredibly rapid progress of the field, this area can absorb significantly more high-skilled, public-oriented law and policy experts, like those at LawAI.

What do they do?

LawAI fills an important and neglected niche in AI policy. It:

• Conducts foundational research to identify and develop new regulatory tools and institutions for AI governance;
• Produces briefings and reports to evaluate and work out the difficult implementation details of leading policy proposals;
• Evaluates and shares lessons learned from historical legislation and regulation of emerging technologies;
• Advises policymakers on drafting informed and effective AI regulations; and
• Works to build a network of legal professionals equipped to improve the quality of AI regulation.

Their work directly supports the creation of policies that aim to better evaluate, identify, and mitigate harms posed by advanced AI and ensure that AI development benefits society.

Why do we recommend them?

We recommend the Institute for Law and AI because of their comprehensive approach to the challenges of AI regulation. Their work is grounded in rigorous research and practical policy advising, filling a critical gap in current legislative efforts. LawAI's initiatives are particularly crucial as they provide the necessary legal expertise that lawmakers require to draft AI regulations that are more precise, clear, and robust to legal challenge. Legal professionals trained by LawAI have gone on to positions of policy influence, and LawAI itself has provided valuable guidance to legislators and policymakers at the national and international level.

In our view, LawAI could make use of considerable additional funding to meet the demand for its work. LawAI believes that it can unlock additional capacity by hiring operations staff. It also plans to hire additional staff to expand its research projects, extend its policy advising capabilities, and enhance its educational programs for legal professionals. With increased capacity, it will be even better positioned to respond to policy developments in real time, provide immediate guidance and support to policymakers, and more proactively develop important AI policy ideas before they’re urgently needed. Each donation helps to fund workshops, research fellowships, and policy advisories that directly contribute to safer AI governance frameworks.