New lawyers are expected to be AI savvy, new study shows
A new study reveals that 76% of attorneys expect new law school graduates to be proficient in using AI tools.Summary
A recent survey by Bloomberg Law, titled “2026 Path to Practice Survey: Bridging the Gap,” indicates a growing expectation for new lawyers to possess artificial intelligence skills. The survey, which included responses from over 1,800 law students, faculty, and practicing attorneys, found that 76% of attorneys anticipate graduates being able to cite check AI-generated materials. Furthermore, 63% expect an understanding of the legal ethics surrounding AI, and 14% desire skills in prompt engineering.
However, the study also highlights a gap in current AI training within law schools. Only 11% of faculty report that their institutions require AI training for professors, while two-thirds offer optional training or workshops. A further 20% of schools offer no AI-related training at all. This lack of formal training is reflected in student proficiency, with only 20% of third-year law students (3Ls) reporting some level of proficiency in using generative AI as legal tech.
The findings suggest a need for increased integration of AI education into law school curricula to prepare future lawyers for the evolving legal landscape.
(Source：Aba Journal)
