2 months ago
- The University of Chicago Law School is adapting legal education to the AI era with a strategic vision focused on three themes: AI-resilient pedagogy, essential human skills, and responsible AI use.
- For 1L core courses, the school will pilot a coordinated policy banning electronic devices in classrooms and requiring in-class exams without internet access, emphasizing the Socratic Method.
- The 1L Legal Research and Writing curriculum will combine writing without AI as a foundation with supervised use of AI tools for research and revision, ensuring students develop both independent writing and AI supervision skills.
- Upper-level elective courses will encourage experimentation with AI-resilient teaching methods like formative assessments, oral presentations, and AI tools, while maintaining default no-device policies.
- Upper-level writing requirements will add an oral discussion component to the substantial research paper (SRP) requirement to ensure original thinking and build advocacy skills.
- Clinical education will be central, providing supervised use of AI tools for real clients while emphasizing human lawyering skills like advocacy and client relationships.
- The school commits to transparent AI policies, staying current with AI tools through partnerships, and regularly reconsidering policies with input from faculty, students, and alumni.