Teaching Students to Think Like Lawyers in the Age of AI
The Columns
Washington and Lee Law introduces a required AI course to teach first‑year students responsible, ethical use of artificial intelligence before classes begin.Summary
Washington and Lee University School of Law has launched a mandatory one‑credit course, AI for Legal Practice, to prepare first‑year students for the growing role of artificial intelligence in legal work. The program begins with two hours of recorded instruction on cognitive security and AI fundamentals, followed by six hours of interactive classroom sessions that explore how AI systems generate text, why hallucinations occur, and the importance of context and source verification. Students learn to balance AI tools with independent analysis, developing practical strategies for using AI responsibly and ethically while preserving the critical thinking and judgment essential to legal practice.
(Source：The Columns)