The School of Law at Washington University in St. Louis, in collaboration with WickardAI, launched the Artificial Intelligence and the Practice of Law program in January 2025. This program offers WashU Law students an opportunity to gain the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field of legal technology.
The program provides a comprehensive curriculum focused on technical understanding of AI and large language models (LLMs), their practical applications in law, ethical considerations and obligations, and the innovations shaping the future of legal technology. The program is taught by Oliver Roberts, who is co-head of the AI Practice Group at Holtzman Vogel, editor-in-chief of AI and the Law at The National Law Review, and founder and CEO of WickardAI.
“This program reflects WashU Law’s commitment to innovation and to positioning our students at the forefront of a tech-focused legal future,” said Dean Stefanie Lindquist. “By integrating modern technology education with practical applications into our curriculum, we’re preparing our students to use legal technology and generative artificial intelligence ethically and effectively. Programs like this solidify WashU Law’s reputation as a leader in forward-thinking legal education.”
“This initiative is among the first in the country to offer an immersive, multidisciplinary approach to legal AI education to all law students,” said Roberts. “It positions WashU Law at the forefront of legal AI education, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”
Program Highlights:
- Understanding Key Terms and Technologies:
Students will learn foundational AI concepts, including LLMs, their development, architecture, and operational principles. - Applications in Legal Practice:
Students will explore how AI and LLMs are revolutionizing legal research, document review, case prediction, and client communication. Real-world examples from law firms and legal practitioners will demonstrate the effective integration of these technologies into practice. - Ethical and Regulatory Considerations:
The program will also cover guidance from the American Bar Association (ABA) and state bar ethics opinions on AI usage, focusing on competence, confidentiality, supervision, and staying informed about technology. - Data and Client Management Best Practices:
Students will learn best practices for managing client data while using AI tools, emphasizing security, accuracy, and compliance with legal and ethical standards. - AI Innovation and Contemporary Challenges:
Students will evaluate AI’s potential to drive innovation in legal services and address contemporary regulatory and societal challenges, including intellectual property issues, liability frameworks, and access-to-justice initiatives.
WashU Law students, faculty and staff attended the first offering of the Artificial Intelligence and the Practice of Law program taught by Roberts during intersession in January.
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