ABA Journal Op-Ed: Navigating the AI Revolution in Law School: Lessons From the Front Lines, by Austin Gergen (J.D. 2025, Tennessee):
As a third-year law student, I’ve had a front-row seat to the artificial intelligence revolution in the legal field. This experience has helped me integrate AI into my research, writing and studying.
With tools like ChatGPT, Lexis+ AI and locally hosted large language models, law students have ample opportunities to embrace this revolution, rather than resist it. …
One of AI’s greatest advantages is its ability to enhance the early stages of legal research. These tools can rapidly analyze and summarize vast amounts of data and, depending on the tool, provide citations to legal sources or newspapers that I can use as a springboard for further research. This capability has streamlined my research process, enabling me to focus more on analysis and application, rather than finding the rule that applies to a specific case. …
It’s clear that AI offers valuable tools to enhance legal research and study. But it’s imperative to approach these tools with a deep understanding of how they work, along with strong human judgment to prevent their misuse and avoid confidentiality issues. …
I frequently ask myself if I’m overrelying on AI and hindering my development of critical legal skills. While AI does indeed provide quick answers to complex questions, it’s essential to engage with the material, rather than accept it at face value.
Balancing AI assistance with my traditional study forms has been crucial not only to ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the law but also to ensure that I am not relying on shortcuts that will be detrimental to my future practice.
It’s clear that AI offers valuable tools to enhance legal research and study. But it’s imperative to approach these tools with a deep understanding of how they work, along with strong human judgment to prevent their misuse and avoid confidentiality issues.
By striking this balance, I and other law students can harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its drawbacks, enriching our legal education, and preparing us for the ever-changing landscape of the legal profession.
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