The workshop titled “What’s ‘Write’? Who’s Writing? Exploring New AI Developments in Legal Writing Courses,” held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of AI in legal writing education. Moderated by Professor Suzanne Rowe from the University of Oregon School of Law, the panel featured a diverse group of faculty members who shared their experiences and perspectives on integrating AI tools into legal writing courses and seminars. While some, like Professors John Cook and Susan McMahon, expressed caution about the premature adoption of AI in legal writing, others, including Professor Michael Murray and Professor Kirsten K. Davis, highlighted their enthusiasm and cautious optimism about AI’s potential benefits. The discussion underscored schools’ varied approaches, from using AI for pre-writing exercises to addressing the challenges of AI-induced hallucinations and plagiarism.
The panel delved into specific uses and concerns of AI in legal education, with professors sharing their pedagogical approaches and addressing potential pitfalls. For instance, Professor Lisa DeSanctis discussed the use of AI in creating ungraded client letter prompts in 1L courses, while Professor Neil Sobol highlighted the issue of AI-generated hallucinations. Upper-level courses were also a focal point. Professors Sarah Starnes and Keith Robinson explored the application of AI in practice and procedure, as well as AI law and litigation courses. The conversation extended to the role of AI in law reviews, writing centers, and supporting diverse learners, with a strong emphasis on the need for clear school policies and best practices. This comprehensive exploration of AI in legal writing education highlighted the rapidly changing nature of the field and the need for ongoing adaptation and thoughtful implementation of these technologies in law school curricula.