ABA's artificial intelligence task force releases law school survey
Law schools are overwhelmingly integrating emerging artificial intelligence technology into their curriculums, but they’re still not sure about specific AI policies. (Image from Shutterstock)
Law schools are overwhelmingly integrating emerging artificial intelligence technology into their curriculums, but they’re still not sure about specific AI policies.
A new survey of 29 law schools by the ABA and the ABA Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence found that more than half, or 55%, of the schools offer AI classes, with 62% starting the tech classes in the first year of law school.
And 83% of the law schools have clinics, intensives and other opportunities for students to learn AI. Many are collaborating with other departments, such as engineering, computer science and data science. A June 24 ABA press release is here.
For example, at the Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, it offers AI classes and certificate programs, teaching students about AI in legal operations and privacy, as well as ethics.
“Our students will have unparalleled access to explore the intersection of law and technology,” said Stacy Leeds, a professor at ASU Law, in a June 11 press release. “This will position them for success in the rapidly changing legal landscape.”
The AI classes vary greatly between schools, with some offering studies on Big Tech and the First Amendment, some explicitly teaching about the specific AI tools available, and others educating students about the legal and societal implications of the technology. AI instruction is also being added to traditional classes, including legal writing, drafting and analytics.
Expect to see even more of this in the near future, as 85% of the law schools in the survey are considering changing their curriculum to include more AI.
“Law firms and other legal employers need young lawyers who are comfortable with using AI as it becomes increasingly important to the practice of law,” said Gary Marchant, a professor and faculty director of the Center for Law, Science and Innovation at ASU Law, in the press release.
Marchant said in the press release within five years, lawyers won’t be successful without using AI.
“Many practicing lawyers don’t have the time or inclination to learn AI themselves,” he said. “So legal employers will be relying on their new recruits to become the AI implementers in their firm.”
But while the law schools are encouraging students to learn about AI, the majority wouldn’t be pleased if prospective students utilized it during their application process. Still, 62% admit that they don’t really know how to approach this specific issue.
This uncertainty about how to apply and to monitor AI in law schools isn’t relegated just to admissions, however. At the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, students aren’t allowed to use generative AI to help with creating content submitted to professors, according to their policy. But on the other hand, instructors at the school may allow AI if they deem it to be appropriate.
