In response to escalating demand from employers and the burgeoning AI industry, an increasing number of law schools across the United States are integrating artificial intelligence into their academic repertoire.
Recent findings from a survey conducted by the American Bar Association reveal that over half of all law schools now incorporate AI-focused courses into their curricula, a trend catalyzed by the high-profile emergence of technologies like ChatGPT in late 2022. Emboldened by this momentum, at least two institutions are set to inaugurate specialized AI degree programs.
Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, for instance, is enhancing its law, science, and technology certificate program to encompass AI specialization at no additional cost to students. Meanwhile, the University of California Berkeley School of Law is preparing to launch a yearlong, part-time advanced degree program aimed at equipping legal professionals with the expertise to advise clients on AI-related legal matters, priced at approximately $73,000.
The AI sector, valued at $5 billion, continues to evolve rapidly, prompting questions about the long-term viability of these specialized programs. Observers note a shift towards fully integrating AI education into standard law school curriculums, reflecting broader institutional adaptation to technological advancements.
Beyond educational adjustments, several law schools are establishing dedicated AI research centers and initiatives. Vanderbilt Law School recently inaugurated its Vanderbilt AI Law Lab, focused on enhancing legal accessibility and efficiency through AI innovations. Similarly, Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society launched a project exploring the intersection of AI and legal frameworks.
Legal industry insiders emphasize the growing demand for AI-savvy lawyers capable of leveraging technology in both practice and client consultation. Tony Caldwell from Snell & Wilmer underscores AI’s pivotal role in firm operations, from document review to client communication, noting its value as a distinguishing skill for prospective hires.
Reflecting on these developments, ASU law professor Gary Marchant predicts that proficiency in AI will soon become indispensable for legal practitioners, predicting a near future where competence in AI is synonymous with professional success.
As law schools nationwide adapt to meet these evolving demands, the integration of AI into legal education stands poised to redefine the landscape of legal practice in the years ahead.
