About Lawfare Institute

Lawfare is a non-profit multimedia publication dedicated to “Hard National Security Choices.” We provide non-partisan, timely analysis of thorny legal and policy issues through our written, audio, and other content—all of which you can find free of charge at our website, www.lawfaremedia.org. We strive to achieve academic-level depth with magazine-level readability at the pace of news. We aim to improve the discourse on the law and policy of national security with a relentless focus on substantive issues that matter—in a fashion that is useful to policymakers and practitioners, but also accessible to anyone who wants to access it. Our areas of coverage range from national security law, threats to democracy, cybersecurity, executive powers, content moderation, domestic extremism, and foreign policy, among many others.

About the role

We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for an associate editor focused on the growing body of work at Lawfare exploring how artificial intelligence increasingly intersects with national security relevant domains, as well as law and policy. If you’ve ever listened to our podcasts or read our articles and thought, “I want to be part of that team,” now is your chance.

This is a highly demanding job. The associate editor plays a pivotal role in the editorial process, ensuring that the articles, documents, podcasts, and everything else we produce meet Lawfare’s editorial standards. This position focuses specifically on Lawfare’s new AI Research Program, which bridges technical, legal, and policy expertise to inform public debate across six research domains: AI governance and regulation; AI and national security; AI and the economy; AI and the legal system; AI and democratic institutions; and AI safety and catastrophic risk. The associate editor supports the program’s written analysis, podcasts, trackers, commissioned papers, and visiting fellows; works closely with Lawfare’s network of experts; and has opportunities to write articles and host podcasts.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience within a range of $48,800 - $60,000. Benefits include health and dental care (with premiums fully paid by Lawfare), flexible hours, and participation in Lawfare’s 401(k) plan with up to 4% employer match.

What you'll do

The associate editor works at the direction of the managing editor and in close coordination with the research director and editorial team to perform or assist with significant aspects of Lawfare’s work, including:

• Reviewing submissions for possible publication on the Lawfare website, including reviewing AI-related submissions for substantive accuracy and analytical rigor;
• Soliciting submissions from contributors based on current developments and perceived gaps in Lawfare’s AI and national security coverage;
• Processing accepted submissions to prepare them for publication;
• Working with our podcast team to develop new audio content and daily podcasts, including supporting production of the Scaling Laws podcast—guest coordination, prep research, show notes, and social clips;
• Contributing to long- and short-term research projects at the direction of the senior editorial staff, including supporting the program’s commissioned papers and visiting fellows;
• Maintaining AI-related tracking resources, such as AI on the Docket and the Section 230 Tracker;
• Assisting with the logistics of the program’s workshops and briefings;
• Ensuring final copyediting and posting of publications to the website;
• Maintaining the Lawfare publication schedule;
• Contributing as needed to Lawfare podcasts and articles on topics of particular expertise or need;
• Managing the website, including rotating highlighted pieces, posting relevant documents and livestreams, and controlling quality, in coordination with the web hosting team;
• Scheduling and other administrative responsibilities;
• Assisting with fundraising and donor-required documentation, as needed;
• Managing and hiring Lawfare interns;
• Completing other duties as assigned by Lawfare management.

Qualifications

This role is an entry-level position, well-suited for recent college graduates or those with a year or two of work experience. Candidates will have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a field related to political science, government, journalism, history, law, or a technology-related discipline. Outstanding writing, analytical, and research skills are required, as is an interest in artificial intelligence, technology policy, and national security issues. Familiarity with AI and technology-policy debates is preferred, and the ability to engage credibly with AI capabilities and their legal and policy implications is a plus. Candidates must be able to work effectively with minimal supervision, have excellent interpersonal, verbal, and organizational skills, and have the ability to take initiative and work in a fast-paced environment. Previous experience in editing, journalism, the legal industry, or digital media is a plus.

Lawfare is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

How to Apply

Use the application link to submit the following documents:

1. a resume that shows the experience and education requested above;
2. a cover letter of no more than two pages that explains how you plan to apply your skills and experiences to Lawfare;
3. a brief writing sample of no more than 1500 words;
4. two references, with email addresses, of people directly familiar with your work.

Questions can be directed to applications@lawfaremedia.org.