What's Happening?
The Association of American Law Schools (AALS) and West Academic, a BARBRI company, have announced a strategic multiyear partnership to enhance the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in legal education. This collaboration, revealed at the 2026
AALS Annual Meeting, aims to provide comprehensive AI guidance through a series of initiatives. These include a national webinar series for law school leaders and faculty, the development of online AI-related resources, and joint research on the perspectives of faculty, students, and administrators regarding AI. The partnership seeks to combine the resources and expertise of both organizations to advance understanding and application of AI in legal education. The webinars will feature law faculty and industry experts discussing topics such as curriculum integration, ethical considerations, and professional readiness. Additionally, the partnership will conduct research to assess AI's impact on teaching and learning, aiming to identify gaps and inform future policies.
Why It's Important?
This partnership is significant as it addresses the growing need for legal education to adapt to technological advancements, particularly AI. By providing structured guidance and resources, AALS and West Academic are positioning law schools to better prepare students for a legal landscape increasingly influenced by AI. This initiative could lead to more informed and technologically adept legal professionals, enhancing their readiness for practice in a rapidly evolving field. The collaboration also underscores the importance of ethical and regulatory considerations in AI, ensuring that future legal professionals are equipped to handle these challenges. The research component of the partnership will provide valuable insights into how AI is reshaping legal education, potentially influencing curriculum development and policy-making across law schools.
What's Next?
The partnership will roll out its initiatives over the coming years, starting with the national webinar series. These webinars will serve as a platform for discussion and knowledge sharing among law school leaders and faculty. The development of online resources will follow, providing ongoing support and information on AI integration. The research conducted will likely result in reports and recommendations that could influence future educational policies and practices. As the partnership progresses, it may also lead to further collaborations or initiatives aimed at enhancing legal education's engagement with emerging technologies.
