From Classrooms to Courtrooms: How AI is Reshaping Legal Education

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal landscape, prompting law schools to adapt their curricula and policies to prepare students for the future. According to a recent survey by the American Bar Association (ABA), fifty-five percent of law schools already offer AI-focused courses, and a significant ninety-three percent are considering further curriculum changes to reflect AI’s growing impact on the legal field. These changes include both theoretical instruction on AI and practical training in using AI tools across areas like legal writing, trial advocacy, and professional responsibility. Some institutions, such as Vanderbilt and Suffolk Law, have created dedicated labs to give students hands-on AI experience.

Law schools are not only incorporating AI into their courses but are also rethinking academic integrity policies to address AI’s potential misuse. The survey found that sixty-nine percent of schools have updated these policies in response to generative AI tools like ChatGPT. Some institutions have banned the use of AI in assignments, while others allow it in limited capacities if students disclose their use. These evolving policies aim to safeguard academic integrity while recognizing AI’s increasing relevance in legal education.

Beyond the classroom, law schools are preparing to integrate AI into the admissions process, though many are undecided about how to approach this. Sixty-two percent of surveyed schools are still formulating policies, with some outright prohibiting AI-generated materials in applications.

The ABA Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence, established in 2023, is guiding schools through these changes. As AI becomes more ingrained in legal practice—impacting everything from legal research to client services—law schools are tasked with equipping future lawyers with the necessary skills to navigate this evolving landscape. Through curriculum updates, ethical discussions, and hands-on training, law schools are laying the groundwork for a new era of legal education where AI plays a central role in shaping the profession.

Resources:

Monnay, Tatyana. “Law Schools are Embracing AI Classes, Reports a New ABA Survey.” Bloomberg Law News. 24 June, 2024. https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/law-schools-are-embracing-ai-classes-reports-a-new-aba-survey

News Staff. “How Are Law Schools Adapting Curricula and Policies for AI?” GovTech. 2 July, 2024. https://www.govtech.com/education/higher-ed/how-are-law-schools-adapting-curricula-and-policies-for-ai

Staff. “ABA Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence releases survey on AI and legal education.” American Bar Association. 24 June, 2024. https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/aba-news-archives/2024/06/aba-task-force-law-and-ai-survey/