CLM213 | Large Language Models, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Law

Large Language Models (LLMs) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are set to revolutionize numerous aspects of society. This course provides an essential exploration of how these technologies will reshape the legal landscape. Aimed at law students and legal professionals, it explores the fundamentals of AI and its groundbreaking applications in the legal arena. The course begins with a foundational understanding of AI and LLM, including its history, core concepts, and current legal applications. It then navigates through the complex ethical landscapes and regulatory frameworks of AI, discussing the implications of AI in courtroom proceedings, the controversial notion of AI as judges, and its transformative role in legal research and documentation. Additionally, the course addresses critical issues like algorithmic bias, intellectual property challenges, and the impacts of AI-generated deepfakes on truth and social engineering.

Designed to be both comprehensive and practical, the course adopts a multifaceted teaching approach. Seminars will provide theoretical knowledge, while case studies and discussions will facilitate critical thinking about the real-world implications of AI in law. Students will engage with current AI tools used in legal practices, fostering hands-on experience in AI applications such as document tagging, drafting, and summarization. We will adopt a forward-looking perspective, preparing participants for a future where AI is an integral component of the law. Through this course, students will gain not only a thorough understanding of AI’s current role in law but also insights into its future trajectory and the skills to navigate this new era.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Comprehend the foundational principles of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs), including their historical development, current capabilities, and future potential, especially in the context of the legal system.

2. Critically analyze the ethical, regulatory, and societal implications of AI and LLMs in legal practices, understanding the balance between technological advancement and ethical responsibility.

3. Evaluate the role and impact of AI in various legal settings, including courtroom procedures, judgment processes, and legal research, recognizing both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI integration.

4. Gain practical skills in utilizing AI tools for legal applications, including document tagging, case summarization, and legal drafting, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in legal work.

5. Project future trends in the intersection of AI and law, preparing to adapt to and shape the evolving legal landscape influenced by ongoing AI advancements.

6. Collaboratively conduct a comprehensive analysis of a legal topic or issue, applying knowledge of AI and LLMs to propose solutions, reforms, or new perspectives, culminating in a well-researched, original written work.