U.S. law schools are taking different approaches to artificial intelligence. Some limit laptops and phones. Others are adding AI courses.
AI is changing legal work. As a result, AI in law schools is now a major issue.
Some schools limit technology in class. Others allow AI for certain tasks. Meanwhile, more schools are adding AI and legal technology courses.
At least 12 U.S. law schools changed or added AI policies during summer 2026. These changes show how schools are adapting to new technology.
Key Takeaways
- Law schools are creating different AI rules.
- Some schools limit laptops and phones in class.
- Other schools allow AI for research or brainstorming.
- At least 36 law schools require AI instruction.
- Most law schools limit AI use during exams.
- Students still need strong legal skills.
- AI skills may help new lawyers enter the job market.
How Law Schools Handle AI
Law schools do not have one set of AI rules.
Each school is creating its own policy. Some want students to learn without digital tools. Others want students to gain AI experience.
As a result, law school AI policies now vary widely.
The University of Georgia, for example, introduced an “analog classroom” policy. The policy limits devices during class.
Students must also complete at least one course on AI or legal technology.
Why Some Schools Limit Laptops
Many law schools use the Socratic method.
Professors ask questions about cases and legal rules. Students must explain their answers. They must also respond to other students.
Therefore, some professors want students to work without AI.
The goal is to build strong legal reasoning skills.
Chicago Law Limits Devices
The University of Chicago Law School has taken a strict approach.
In July, the school banned laptops and phones in required first-year classes. The policy aims to build critical thinking skills.
It also aims to promote independent thought.
Students can develop these skills before learning how to use AI tools.
However, law schools must also prepare students for legal work.
Law firms now use AI for many tasks. Therefore, students need to understand the technology.
Columbia Law Takes Flexible AI Approach
Columbia Law School has adopted a more flexible policy.
Students may use AI to test arguments. They may also use it to get feedback.
The policy allows some AI use for spelling and grammar.
However, students must create the main work themselves.
They must provide their own ideas and analysis. As a result, Columbia focuses on responsible AI use.
This approach also reflects legal practice. Lawyers may use AI, but they remain responsible for their work.
Michigan Limits AI Use
The University of Michigan Law School has taken another approach.
Students may use AI for brainstorming and early research. However, they cannot use it to write or revise papers.
This policy allows some AI use. At the same time, it protects writing skills.
Michigan Law’s AI Law and Policy Society president Avyay Casheekar said the policy addresses concerns about overuse.
He also said strict rules could limit useful AI applications.
The debate shows how hard it can be to create AI rules.
Berkeley Law Tightens AI Rules
The University of California, Berkeley School of Law has adopted strict AI rules.
The policy bars students from using AI to brainstorm paper topics. It also limits AI use for legal summaries.
Students cannot use AI to correct grammar or repeated wording.
At the same time, Berkeley offers AI courses.
This creates a clear contrast. The school limits some AI uses while teaching students about the technology.
Berkeley Law professor Colleen Chien said professors can change the default policy when it helps their teaching.
36 Law Schools Require AI Training
AI limits are only part of the trend.
Law schools are also adding AI education.
Suffolk University Law School Dean Andrew Perlman compiled AI policies from 180 law schools. His database found that at least 36 schools require AI instruction.
Schools teach these skills in different ways.
Some offer AI training during orientation. Others include it in first-year courses.
Some schools also offer dedicated AI classes.
As a result, AI knowledge may become a standard part of legal education.
Why AI Training Matters for Lawyers
The legal profession is already using AI.
Lawyers use AI for research, drafting, and document review. Therefore, law students need to understand these tools.
Law firms and other employers also want graduates with basic AI skills.
However, AI does not replace core legal skills.
Students still need strong research and writing skills. They also need good judgment and clear communication.
Furthermore, lawyers have duties when using AI.
They must protect client information. They must also check AI-generated work.
AI and Legal Ethics
AI training involves more than learning how to use a chatbot.
Future lawyers must understand the risks.
AI systems can produce wrong information. They can also create faulty legal analysis.
Some tools may raise concerns about client information.
Therefore, students must learn how to check AI-generated content.
They must also know when AI use is proper.
Lawyers remain responsible for their work. This remains true when they use AI.
Law Schools Limit AI in Exams
Exams create another challenge.
University of Houston law professor Seth Chandler said nearly all law schools ban AI during exams.
Some schools have also moved away from take-home exams. Instead, they use supervised exams in class.
Schools can also use software to block internet access.
The goal is simple. Professors want to test student knowledge without AI doing the work.
Therefore, students may face stricter AI rules during exams.
Students Are Also Shaping the AI Debate
Students are becoming part of the discussion.
AI and legal technology groups are appearing at law schools. These groups show growing interest in AI and legal careers.
Students face two main concerns.
Too much AI use could reduce legal reasoning practice. However, students without AI experience could face a changing job market.
As a result, students need to understand both sides of the issue.
AI Rules for Law Students
Law students should not assume that every school has the same AI policy.
Rules can vary by school, course, professor, or assignment.
For example, one professor may allow AI for brainstorming. Another may ban it.
Therefore, students should check the rules before using ChatGPT or another AI tool.
Students should also know if they must disclose AI use.
Understanding these rules is now part of responsible technology use.
AI Impact on Legal Recruiting
The shift also matters to recruiters and law firms.
Future graduates may have different levels of AI training.
Some students will complete required AI courses. Others may have limited AI experience.
Therefore, recruiters may need to assess legal and technology skills.
However, AI knowledge should support core legal abilities.
Strong writing, research, judgment, and communication remain important. AI tools cannot replace these skills.
FAQs
Are law schools banning AI?
No. Law schools do not have one national AI policy.
Some schools restrict AI use. Others allow limited uses. Some also require AI instruction.
For example, Columbia allows certain AI uses. Michigan allows AI for brainstorming and early research. Berkeley has stricter rules.
Can law students use ChatGPT for assignments?
It depends on the school’s rules.
Some schools allow limited AI help. Others restrict research, drafting, or editing.
Students should check each course policy before using ChatGPT or another AI tool.
Are law schools teaching artificial intelligence?
Yes. AI instruction is becoming more common.
A database covering 180 law schools found that at least 36 require some AI instruction.
Schools may teach AI during orientation. Others include it in first-year courses.
Some also offer separate AI and legal technology classes.
Why are some law schools banning laptops?
Some educators want students to develop legal reasoning without digital tools.
The University of Chicago, for example, banned laptops and phones from required first-year classes.
The goal is to promote independent and critical thinking.
Do all law schools have the same AI rules?
No.
AI policies differ among law schools. Rules can also differ between courses.
Students should check the policy for each class or assignment.
Will AI skills become important for new lawyers?
AI skills are becoming more important as law firms adopt the technology.
New lawyers may need to understand basic AI tools and their risks.
However, strong legal skills remain essential. AI knowledge should support research, writing, analysis, and judgment.
AI’s Future in Legal Education
The debate over AI in law schools will likely continue.
Some schools limit technology in class. Others are adding AI courses.
Meanwhile, students must develop both legal and technology skills.
They need to understand legal rules and sound reasoning. They also need to learn how AI can support legal work.
Law schools are still testing different approaches.
However, AI is becoming an important part of legal education.
For future lawyers, knowing when to use AI will matter. Knowing when to avoid it will matter too.
Most importantly, students must check AI-generated work. They must also take responsibility for the final result.
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