CCI Cyber Law Researcher

William & Mary; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

William & Mary Law School’s Center for Legal & Court Technology seeks a Cyber Law Researcher funded by Virginia’s Commonwealth Cyber Initiative to advance AI‑related legal research and education.

The role involves researching AI, cybersecurity, and the intersection with courts; developing course materials, mentoring Fellows, and supporting CLCT initiatives; requires a Bachelor's in cybersecurity or AI, and strong written/oral communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with coursework in cybersecurity, AI, or related field.
• Substantial knowledge of cyber technology, cybersecurity, and AI.
• Excellent problem solving, analytical and organizational skills.
• Strong oral and written communication with diverse populations.
• Proficiency in delivering information clearly in both oral and written form.
• Knowledge of web-based research tools and techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Aptitude for logical thinking and intellectual curiosity.

Responsibilities

• AI-related research, analysis, and policy work supporting CLCT projects.
• Design and update AI-related course materials and deliver instruction.
• Support CLCT Court Affiliates with AI guidance and knowledge sharing.
• Organize and participate in conferences, workshops, and events.
• Promote CLCT activities in publications and public outputs.
• Maintain regular in-person presence in the office to engage staff and Fellows.
• Mentor and supervise CLCT Fellows and assist with career development.

Skills

Cybersecurity knowledge

Artificial Intelligence

Problem solving

Oral & written communication

Web research tools

Microsoft Office

Confidentiality

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or AI

J.D. or legal knowledge

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Summary

William & Mary Law School embodies a commitment to training practitioners truly learned in the law through doctrinal, interdisciplinary, and experiential learning; a devotion to the academic study of law, for the sake of preserving what is best in our legal regimes, reforming what can be improved, and, above all, contributing to the world’s understanding of this fundamental human institution; and a dedication to educating citizen lawyers who will serve with distinction in their communities, the nation, and the world. The Center for Legal & Court Technology (CLCT) is a joint initiative of William & Mary Law School, the nation’s oldest law school, and the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). CLCT’s external mission is to improve the administration of justice through appropriate technology. CLCT is best known for its work in courtroom and hearing room technology and in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for legal system purposes. CLCT works throughout the world and supports over 45 state, federal, Native American, Canadian, and other courts. CLCT also is involved in other activities, especially law related education. CLCT seeks to assist the Law School, William & Mary, and NCSC. CLCT represents W&M in CCI and through its Director, the Public Interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN). William & Mary Law School’s Center for Legal & Court Technology (CLCT) seeks to hire a Cyber Law Researcher supported by Virginia’s Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI), a General Assembly funded state-wide effort to enhance and enlarge cyber law research and education in Virginia. Funding for this position is entirely supported by CCI funding, and the position is dependent on that funding. The CCI Cyber Law Researcher, also described as a CLCT Assistant Director for Research, is primarily responsible for assisting CLCT in its research into (and dissemination of that research) the interrelationship between AI and law, the world’s legal systems, and the work of courts, including judges, and the practice of law. This work includes research, curriculum development for related courses, teaching courses, drafting papers, articles, and other publications, planning and participating in conferences and presentations, helping the Court Affiliates, providing timely status reports on a schedule set by the supervisor, and assisting CLCT staff, especially student Fellows. This can extend outside AI, especially to address other technology-related matters. Among other matters, CCI emphasizes cybersecurity and AI. The Researcher will assist CCI researchers by explaining the basic nature of legal rules likely to affect their work, including the basics of intellectual property. This does not include legal representation or legal advice with respect to specific active matters. The Researcher is expected to create, with help from CLCT and COVA CCI, a periodic program to provide CCI researchers with this information. A CCI goal is to encourage universities to produce highly competent, technology aware, and capable graduates. To this end, the Researcher must also support CLCT’s student Fellows through mentorship and other activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field or equivalent education, training, and/or experience.
• Demonstrated substantial knowledge of cyber technology, especially cybersecurity and artificial intelligence or, if necessary, a major interest in acquiring such knowledge.
• Excellent problem solving, analytical, and organizational skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability and intent to reach out to and interact professionally with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students.
• Proficiency in delivering information clearly to others in both oral and written forms.
• Knowledge of web‑based/online research tools and techniques.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Possess a strong aptitude for logical thinking and intellectual curiosity.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality; handle sensitive information and material in a discretionary manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• J.D. or substantial knowledge of the legal system and experience working in the legal system.
• Significant teaching or work experience in cyber security and/or artificial intelligence.
• Knowledge of standard legal and technical research methodology.
• Administrative and project coordination experience with the demonstrated ability to plan, manage and track projects through completion.
• Demonstrated ability to develop positive, strategic working relationships among staff, external companies and organizations, and experts in the field of cyber technology.

Conditions of Employment

This is a restricted position with salary funded by and contingent on CCI funding, which is in turn subject to General Assembly funding of CCI. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Duties

• 40%- CLCT-related AI research, education and training support:
  • Research & Analysis- conducts AI‑related legal, technical, and policy research that supports CLCT projects, publications, and initiatives.
  • Instruction &Training- designs, develops, and updates AI‑related course materials, presentations, and instructional content, with topics and approaches approved by the supervisor, and delivers AI‑related instruction in both formal and informal settings and provides support or training to CLCT/Court Affiliates/CCI and others as needed.
  • Court Affiliate Support- assists with AI‑related research, guidance, and knowledge‑sharing for CLCT Court Affiliates.
  • Events &Conference Support- supports CLCT AI‑related conferences, workshops, and presentations by preparing materials, contributing expertise, and participating in event execution.
  • Marketing &Promotion – Represents CLCT in professional settings by clearly identifying their affiliation with CLCT in publications, presentations, conference materials, and other public outputs. Promotes CLCT activities, programs, and accomplishments by sharing information through approved channels, consistent with supervisor guidance. Prepares short written summaries, announcements, or highlights of CLCT AI‑related work for use in newsletters, websites, social media, or partner communications.
  • Participates in conferences, workshops, and professional events where appropriate, ensuring CLCT receives attribution for relevant research, presentations, or contributions. Collaborates with CLCT staff to identify opportunities to increase the visibility of CLCT’s AI‑related initiatives and to support the Center’s broader outreach strategy.
  • Collaboration- maintains regular in‑person presence in the main office multiple times per week to interact with staff and students, build rapport, and encourage engagement on AI‑related projects; provides proactive outreach to CLCT members by offering support, sharing relevant updates, and coordinating as needed to advance AI‑related activities.
• 20%- Student Mentorship, Support, and Supervision:
  • Maintaining a regular in‑person presence in the main office multiple times per week to include every and any business day the Researcher is present at the law school.
  • Participating in Fellow‑oriented programs, workshops, and social events.
  • Initiating periodic check‑ins with Fellows to offer assistance.
  • Providing timely guidance when Fellows seek support related to AI, cybersecurity, or related career options.
  • Preparing or contributing to enrichment materials, presentations, or sessions that benefit Fellows’ academic and professional development.
• 15%- General CLCT work and Support:
  • CLCT Court Affiliate Assistance- provides research support, resource development, and consultation to CLCT Court Affiliates; and prepares summaries, briefs, or guidance materials on issues relevant to court technology.
  • Law‑Related Education- develops and delivers educational materials, presentations, or workshops for law‑related programs; and supports student engagement by offering clarification, feedback, and assistance on academic or practical projects.
  • University, NCSC, CCI, and PIT‑UN Activities- contributes to collaborative initiatives with university partners, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI), and PIT‑UN, and participates in joint projects by preparing research inputs, presenting findings, or assisting with event planning and execution.
  • CLCT Administrative &Operational Support- assists with routine CLCT administrative activities related to CLCT projects, including tracking project progress, preparing documentation, updating shared materials, and coordinating with staff, and provides regular updates to the supervisor and team regarding ongoing tasks and initiatives.
• 10%- Conference and presentation planning and support:
  • Program Development: Create event themes, goals, and content outlines for the symposium and other CLCT‑related presentations.
  • Speaker Coordination: Identify, vet, and recommend potential speakers; prepare invitations and speaker packets; and coordinate schedules and presentation requirements.
  • Event Logistics: Draft logistical plans covering scheduling, venue arrangements, technology needs, accessibility, registration processes, catering, parking, and other participant support.
  • Promotional Materials: Prepare conference announcements, agendas, and promotional materials for supervisor review and approval.
  • Internal Coordination: Work with CLCT staff to align the event with organizational goals, secure necessary resources, and finalize operational details.
  • Execution: Facilitate event sessions, manage onsite or virtual logistics, coordinate presenter needs, handle participant inquiries, and ensure post‑event distribution of materials.
  • External Presentations: Assist in the preparation and delivery of CLCT presentations and conference contributions made on behalf of partner organizations such as NCSC.
  • Performance in this area will be evaluated based on the Researcher’s completion of assigned event‑planning tasks and consistent engagement in related responsibilities, including: Timely development of themes, agendas, and conference materials. Preparation and submission of promotional and logistical plans by established deadlines. Effective coordination with CLCT staff, presenters, and partner organizations. Securing speaker commitments and submitting speaker‑related documentation for approval. Successful execution of event logistics (venue setup, technology coordination, session facilitation, etc.). Delivery of high‑quality presentations or support materials for CLCT and partner‑organization events. Timely follow‑up after events, including distribution of materials and documentation. Adherence to supervisor guidance and obtaining required approvals prior to external communication or outreach.
• 10%- Direct CCI Support:
  • The Researcher supports CCI personnel by explaining foundational legal rules relevant to their work—including intellectual property and AI‑related legal issues—without providing legal representation or advice on specific active matters.
  • As part of this responsibility, the Researcher will: Develop curriculum for a recurring training program or conference addressing AI‑related and other relevant cyber law topics. Prepare instructional materials, presentations, and supporting documents. Create or assist in the creation of promotional and announcement materials for supervisor review and approval. Design the program delivery plan, including format (in‑person, remote, or hybrid), scheduling, and session structure. Draft logistical recommendations, including catering, parking, participant support, and other event considerations. Coordinate with CLCT and COVA CCI staff to align the program with organizational needs and secure resources. Obtain supervisor approval prior to outreach to potential attendees, speakers, or partners. Execute event activities, including facilitating sessions, responding to participant questions, and managing post‑event follow‑up. Update program materials periodically to reflect legal and technological developments.
  • 5%- Cybersecurity: The Researcher should become familiar with and remain current with respect to legal issues and regulation of cybersecurity and is expected to be a W&M and CCI resource in this area. The Researcher will prioritize timely completion and documentation of cybersecurity‑related certifications, trainings, or continuing education activities, along with the quality of work products that demonstrate current knowledge of applicable cybersecurity laws and regulations. The Researcher is expected to notify the supervisor upon completion of each professional development activity and ensure that deliverables reflect up‑to‑date understanding of this domain.

Posting Range

Posting Range: $70,000 up to $87,500 commensurate with experience

EEO and Equal Opportunity

EEO is the Law.

Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

Background Check

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Probationary Period Notice

Individuals selected for full‑time staff positions will be required to complete a twelve (12) month probationary period in accordance with university policy.

Remote Work Disclaimer

Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.

Benefits

William & Mary offers a competitive range of benefits that support employee well‑being and professional growth, including access to on‑campus fitness facilities, university libraries, and other wellness resources. Educational assistance, professional development opportunities, and a robust holiday schedule are also available.