Law Schools Struggle to Keep Up with AI Advancements in Legal Profession

Author argues most law school curricula haven't adapted to the growing use of AI in legal work

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:26am

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The author, Colin S. Levy, a General Counsel at Malbek and author of The Legal Tech Ecosystem, has created a primer entitled 'Law School in the Age of AI.' He argues that while AI systems are already being used to draft contracts, summarize depositions, and generate legal memoranda at scale, most law school curricula haven't kept up with these advancements. Levy believes the legal profession needs lawyers who can direct these AI tools with precision, evaluate their output critically, and recognize when not to trust them - skills that are teachable and that a handful of law schools are starting to prove.

Why it matters

As AI continues to transform the legal profession, law schools need to adapt their curricula to ensure graduates are equipped with the necessary skills to work effectively with these technologies. The author argues that most law schools are still falling behind the curve, leaving students without the structured, hands-on training they need to thrive in the evolving legal landscape.

The details

The author highlights several law schools that are leading the way in integrating AI-focused training into their programs. Chicago's AI Lab had students build LeaseChat, a chatbot that helps renters understand their leases. Michigan embedded students directly into collaborations with courts and legal aid organizations. Suffolk created a full concentration on AI rather than scattering it across isolated electives. Berkeley went further and launched the first AI-focused LL.M. degree. However, the author states that this good work remains the exception, and that students deserve more structured, hands-on training woven into required courses, not just optional add-ons.

  • The primer was published on March 17, 2026.

The players

Colin S. Levy

The author of the primer, who is the General Counsel at Malbek and the author of The Legal Tech Ecosystem.

Chicago's AI Lab

A law school program that had students build LeaseChat, a chatbot to help renters understand their leases.

University of Michigan

A law school that embedded students directly into collaborations with courts and legal aid organizations to gain hands-on experience.

Suffolk University Law School

A law school that created a full concentration on AI rather than scattering it across isolated electives.

UC Berkeley School of Law

A law school that launched the first AI-focused LL.M. degree program.

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What they’re saying

“AI systems already draft contracts, summarize depositions, and generate legal memoranda at scale.”

— Colin S. Levy, General Counsel at Malbek | Author of The Legal Tech Ecosystem (LinkedIn)

“The profession has shifted, but most curricula haven't followed.”

— Colin S. Levy, General Counsel at Malbek | Author of The Legal Tech Ecosystem (LinkedIn)

“What the market actually needs are lawyers who can direct these tools with precision, evaluate their output critically, and recognize when not to trust them.”

— Colin S. Levy, General Counsel at Malbek | Author of The Legal Tech Ecosystem (LinkedIn)

What’s next

The author does not mention any specific next steps, as the story focuses on the current state of legal education and the need for law schools to adapt their curricula to the growing use of AI in the legal profession.

The takeaway

As AI continues to transform the legal industry, law schools must update their curricula to ensure graduates are equipped with the necessary skills to work effectively with these technologies. While a handful of schools are leading the way, the author argues that more structured, hands-on AI training needs to be woven into required courses across law school programs to prepare the next generation of lawyers.