More. . .

AI at UChicago Law

 

Dean Adam Chilton discusses UChicago Law's new strategic approach to artificial intelligence (video on left), and Professor William H.J. Hubbard, chair of the Law School AI Committee, highlights five things that make the UChicago Law's AI strategy unique (video on right).

UChicago Law Unveils AI Strategy Statement

Three faculty members of the AI Committee sitting at table with microphones
AI Committee members William Hubbard, Joan Neal, and Mark Templeton address the Law School Council.

July 9, 2026—The University of Chicago Law School today unveiled its strategic vision for AI-Era legal education. 

Recognizing that AI is reshaping the legal profession and higher education, the newly released strategy statement, "Rethinking Legal Education in the AI Era," sets out the Law School’s approach to preparing students to thrive in an evolving landscape. Read the story

Rethinking Legal Education in the AI Era

The Law School's AI Strategy Statement was published on Thursday, July 9, 2026. The strategy, which was developed by the Law School's leadership and faculty AI Committee in consultation with the Law School's alumni AI Advisory Council, students, and numerous other stakeholders, goes into effect at the start of the Autumn Quarter.

FAQ: UChicago Law's New AI Strategy

Why is the Law School updating its strategy on AI?

AI is rapidly changing legal practice and education. The Law School wants to ensure students learn essential skills while also preparing them to use AI ethically and effectively.

What are the main goals of the new AI strategy?

The strategy has three themes:

  • Developing AI-resilient pedagogy and assessment: Ensuring our students learn how to think critically and solve legal problems with sound professional judgment without excessively relying on AI in ways that undermine their development of rigorous thinking skills. 
  • Elevating essentially human skills: Increasing focus on skills and aspects of legal practice for which humans are likely to remain essential. 
  • Teaching ethical and effective use of AI: Training students to use AI tools responsibly and giving students the analytical skills and theoretical toolkit to adapt as technologies change.

What do we mean when we say “AI-resilient pedagogy and assessment"?

"AI-resilient" refers to teaching and assessment methods that ensure students genuinely learn and think critically in a world where AI tools are widely available. This means creating spaces where the students are thinking and being assessed without access to AI. But it does not mean trying to “AI-proof” the entire curriculum.

Will students be allowed to use AI tools in class?

  • In required first-year doctrinal courses, electronic devices will largely be prohibited (with some limited exceptions), and exams will be  taken in-class without internet/app access.
  • In legal research & writing (LRW), we will treat writing without AI as the foundation, but we will layer writing and editing with AI onto it. 
  • In elective and upper-level courses, will allow more flexibility and experimentation; AI use will depend on the instructor and the course, and the rules will be clearly posted in syllabi.

How does the policy affect writing assignments and papers?

For major research papers (SRPs), students will continue to do substantial independent research and writing, but will also be required to discuss their analysis orally with their supervising professor to help confirm their understanding and skills.

Faculty are also encouraged to experiment with new ways to make writing assignments “AI-resilient,” such as in-class workshops, group presentations, or oral discussions.

How will students know the AI policy for their specific courses?

Every instructor will explicitly state their AI policy in the course syllabus and discuss it in class.

Will the strategy statement prevent students from learning about AI?

No. The Law School encourages learning about AI. Several upper-level courses and clinics will use and teach about AI tools. We will also offer lunch talks that discuss AI tools and skills. And we will continue to work to provide our students with access to AI leading tools. 

What about clinics and practical legal work?

Clinics are increasingly using AI tools as part of their work. Students enrolled in clinics will learn to use AI tools responsibly as part of their experiential education. 

How will academic integrity work with AI?

Students must always follow a course’s stated AI rules. If using AI, proper guidance and supervision will be provided. Oral and interactive components will help confirm your understanding and independent contribution.

Can the strategy change in the future?

Technology is evolving fast, and the Law School will update its strategy regularly, seeking input from students, faculty, and alumni.

AI in the Curriculum

As an institution with a deep commitment to innovation, UChicago Law is exploring ways to reshape legal education to respond to the changes in legal practice associated with AI. Students already engage with AI across the curriculum through seminars taught by field experts, and experiential learning that gives students opportunities to work with, and even design, AI tools. Below are a few examples of Law School course offerings that are preparing students for a profession increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

The AI Lab

Kimball Parker teaching AI Lab

The AI Lab is an immersive seminar that challenges students to move beyond using AI tools to creating them. Led by tech entrepreneur Kimball Dean Parker, '13, the lab's inaugural cohort developed and launched LeaseChat, an AI-powered application designed to help users better with residential leases. Through the course, students gain firsthand experience at the intersection of law, technology, and entrepreneurship.  Read the story | Visit the AI Lab website

Generative AI in Legal Practice

Ed Walters presenting on AI

Generative AI in Legal Practice combines hands-on training with critical examination of AI's growing role in the legal profession. Taught by Ed Walters, '96, Vice President of Innovation and Strategy at Clio, the seminar explores how generative AI is transforming legal practice while equipping students with the practical skills and professional judgment needed to use these tools responsibly and effectively.  Read the story

AI in Appellate Practice and Judicial Decision-Making

Headshot of judge

Beginning in Fall 2026, Judge Joshua Deahl of the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit will teach AI in Appellate Practice and Judicial Decision-Making, a course examining how generative AI is changing appellate advocacy and judicial decision-making.  Story forthcoming

AI News & Insights

Explore recent stories featuring UChicago Law faculty, students, and alumni working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, legal education, and the practice of law.