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In a remarkable stride towards embracing AI’s potential, the School of Law at National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) has introduced a ground-breaking course. This course, titled “AI-Powered Legal Writing: Techniques, Tactics, and Tools,” aims to equip future legal practitioners with the skills needed to harness generative AI in the composition of legal documents.
In recent years, AI has emerged as a transformative force in the legal profession. Reports have indicated that AI can handle a substantial 44% of legal tasks, with administrative functions being particularly vulnerable to automation. Tasks such as researching legal precedents and drafting legal pleadings have already been streamlined and optimised by AI systems.
However, the integration of AI into the legal arena is not without its challenges. In the United States, an attorney faced disciplinary action for employing generative AI to prepare court documents. This incident underscores the importance of law students comprehending both the capabilities and limitations of AI. Failure to do so could result in ethical breaches and threaten their future careers in law.
AI’s influence extends beyond the classroom and into the realm of professional examinations. Associate Professor Mark Shope, from the School of Law at NYCU, astoundingly used generative AI to answer multiple-choice questions on the Taiwan Lawyer’s Bar Exam. While his score of 342 out of 600 fell short of the required threshold of 372 to advance to the exam’s second stage, it surpassed the performance of approximately half of the examinees. This achievement underscores AI’s potential as a valuable tool in the legal profession.
The “AI-Powered Legal Writing” course, spearheaded by Assoc Prof Mark, fills a critical void by focusing on the integration of AI tools into the legal writing process. Assoc Prof Mark emphasises that the adoption of AI is rapidly gaining traction in the realm of legal research and writing. The curriculum not only acquaints students with generative AI but also delves into various generative AI tools and their practical applications in the legal field.
One pivotal aspect emphasised by Assoc Prof Mark is that legal outcomes are often communicated through written documents. AI proves invaluable in composing these legal documents, organising information, and preparing for litigation. Consequently, numerous law firms have already embraced AI to enhance their operational efficiency. It is crucial for aspiring lawyers to recognise that, like professionals in other domains, they face the risk of being replaced if they do not adapt to this evolving technological landscape.
During legal proceedings, legal teams typically expend substantial time and effort analysing cases, studying legal precedents, and reviewing extensive data. AI has the potential to revolutionise this process by reducing the need for a large number of lawyers, thereby increasing access to legal services for the public. These changes in the legal landscape have broader implications for legal education, necessitating a shift in how law students are prepared for their future careers.
The integration of generative AI into legal education offers a myriad of advantages to law students. From enhancing efficiency and research capabilities to providing practical experience and cost savings, AI is a valuable tool that equips aspiring lawyers with the complexities of the modern legal profession. As technology continues to reshape the field of law, students who embrace AI are poised to excel and contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving legal landscape.
