In January, WashU Law announced that it provided the District of Columbia Court of Appeals with specialized artificial intelligence training for all appellate judges. The program reflects a collaborative effort between WashU Law and the court to address the practical and ethical implications of AI use by judges and judicial clerks.
The training was spearheaded by Judge Joshua Deahl of the D.C. Court of Appeals, who also serves as an Adjunct Professor at WashU Law, and Oliver Roberts, Adjunct Professor and Co-Director of the WashU Law AI Collaborative. Judge Deahl and Roberts previously co-taught AI and the Judiciary during the Fall 2025 semester, where they offered students a first-hand perspective on how judges are beginning to approach and experiment with AI in their work.
The January session focused on practical judicial applications, including research assistance, bench memorandum preparation, opinion drafting support, and case management workflows. The program emphasized how judges and clerks can approach these tools responsibly while maintaining judicial independence and professional standards.
“This collaboration reflects a shared recognition that courts must engage thoughtfully and proactively with emerging technologies,” said WashU Law Dean Stefanie Lindquist. “We’re proud to collaborate with Judge Deahl and the D.C. Court of Appeals on this important program.”
The training is part of WashU Law’s expanding national initiative to support education for judges, clerks, and court staff through court partnerships, continuing legal education programs, and academic courses focused on the judiciary.
