Survey suggests trends in AI use in legal education

Law schools are increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into their curricula, according to a study on AI and legal education released by the American Bar Association and the ABA Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence.

American Bar AssociationAmerican Bar AssociationThe survey compiles insights about the integration of AI into legal education collected from 29 law school deans or faculty between December 2023 and February 2024. It suggests that AI is having an increasingly significant impact on legal education.

About 55% of responding law schools reported offering classes to teach students about AI.

83% of responding law schools reported that they have curricular opportunities where students can learn how to use AI tools effectively, and about 85% of law schools are considering changes to their curricula in response to the increasing prevalence of AI tools.

The survey also found that 69% of institutions have adjusted their academic integrity policies in response to generative AI, but 62% of law schools have not yet decided how they will address the use of generative AI by applicants.

The survey shows a trend towards integrating AI literacy across the legal sector, from legal writing to clinical practice, indicating widespread recognition that familiarity with AI tools and concepts is becoming essential for future legal professionals.