The University of Chicago Law School's decision to prohibit electronic devices in some classrooms is a bold move that reflects a broader shift in legal education. This policy, which will be in effect for the 2026-2027 academic year, aims to foster 'AI-resilient teaching and assessment' in the school's first-year law core classes. The school believes that active, in-person engagement is key to learning, and that reliance on devices can inhibit reflection and reasoning. This is a significant change from the current landscape, where AI is increasingly being used in the legal field for time-saving purposes, such as addressing and compiling large volumes of data and information. However, the use of AI in the legal profession is not without its challenges and ethical considerations. Recent lawsuits have raised questions about the parameters and errors of popular AI tools, such as ChatGPT, in the legal system. For instance, Nippon Life Insurance is suing ChatGPT's parent company, OpenAI, for practicing law without a license, after Graciela Dela Torre used ChatGPT to resurrect her disability claim case, costing the insurer roughly $300,000 to defend. This highlights the potential for errors and the need for caution when using AI in the legal field. Despite these concerns, the potential benefits of AI in legal education and practice are significant. AI can help lawyers serve more clients and help more people, particularly in the context of the access to justice gap. However, it is crucial to use AI as a tool and a step in the legal process, not the last or only step. The University of Chicago Law School's approach to AI is balanced, with a focus on both caution and excitement. The school is partnering with Anthropic to provide Claude Enterprise tools, including Claude Chat, Cowork, and Code, to all academics, staff, and students. However, the school is also reminding students and faculty to approach AI skeptically, ethically, and ambitiously, with a commitment to respect and protect each individual human being in the community. This balanced approach is essential to ensure that AI is used responsibly and effectively in the legal profession, while also maintaining the rigor and critical thinking skills that are essential for legal education.
