- ASU Law, ranked top innovator by U.S. News and World Report, introduces AI focus across degree programs.
- First law school in the U.S. to allow generative AI in admissions process.
- New AI courses offered in MLS, LLM, and JD programs, including AI in legal operations and privacy and legal ethics in AI.
- AI focus complements existing JD certificates, adding to law, science, and technology offerings.
- Faculty actively integrate AI into curriculum, preparing students for AI’s increasing role in legal practice.
- Gary Marchant of LSI highlights importance of AI proficiency for future legal professionals.
- ASU Law’s commitment to AI showcased through LSI initiatives and annual GETS conference.
Main AI News:
Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, consistently recognized as the nation’s top innovator by U.S. News and World Report since the inception of the category in 2015, has embarked on a pioneering journey into artificial intelligence (AI). Introducing an AI focus area spanning various degree programs marks a significant stride in revolutionizing legal education.
Having spearheaded the adoption of generative AI in the admissions process back in 2023, ASU Law now expands its AI integration efforts both inside and outside the classroom. Through this initiative, students enrolled in the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Laws (LLM), and Juris Doctor (JD) programs will delve into the realms of AI, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the evolving legal landscape.
Willard H. Pedrick Dean and Regents and Foundation Professor of Law Stacy Leeds emphasizes, “We are proud to be the first law school in the nation to offer a comprehensive AI emphasis across multiple degree programs.” This strategic move underscores ASU Law’s commitment to providing students unparalleled opportunities to explore the intersection of law and technology, positioning them for success in an era where AI’s significance in the legal realm continues to grow.
The inclusion of new courses such as “AI in Legal Operations” and “Privacy and Legal Ethics in AI” underscores ASU Law’s proactive approach to equip students with the requisite skills to address AI’s implications in legal practice effectively.
Furthermore, ASU Law enriches its JD curriculum with a diverse array of certificates, ranging from law, science, and technology to Indian law and health law and policy. The introduction of the AI focus within the law, science, and technology certificate epitomizes ASU Law’s commitment to staying at the forefront of legal education.
As AI’s capabilities surge, ASU Law recognizes the imperative for legal professionals to be well-versed in leveraging AI tools effectively. Gary Marchant, Regents and Foundation Professor of Law and faculty director of the Center for Law, Science and Innovation (LSI), emphasizes the importance of integrating AI education into the legal curriculum to meet the evolving demands of the legal profession.
Marchant asserts, “Law firms and legal employers increasingly seek professionals adept at utilizing AI tools, underscoring the indispensability of AI proficiency in legal practice.”
Through initiatives like the Center for Law, Science and Innovation (LSI) and the annual Governance of Emerging Technologies and Science (GETS) conference, ASU Law continues to champion AI’s advancement in the legal sphere. These efforts underscore ASU Law’s unwavering commitment to redefining legal education and fostering a new generation of legal professionals adept at harnessing AI’s transformative potential.
Conclusion:
ASU Law’s pioneering move to integrate AI across its degree programs signals a significant shift in legal education, reflecting the growing importance of AI proficiency in the legal profession. This strategic initiative not only equips students with essential AI skills but also positions ASU Law as a trailblazer in preparing legal professionals for the future of law practice. As AI continues to reshape the legal landscape, ASU Law’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to staying ahead of the curve and redefining the standards of legal education.
