Study

596 Practicing Law with AI and Big Data

Artificial intelligence systems are already being employed at firms. Expert systems (rule-based AI) are used to automate workflows, while machine learning systems (data-driven AI) are used to manage complex litigation and provide strategic intelligence. These latter systems require large swaths of data, termed big data, to provide the computer sufficient information to perform predictions. This course will pull back the curtain on the different systems, allowing students of all skill levels to critically engage with the ethical implications of these systems on the practice of law.

NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, PROGRAMMING, OR TECHNOLOGY IS NEEDED FOR THIS COURSE.

Students will work with fellow “associates” to develop an expert system that enhances the firm’s pro bono efforts. Through this assignment, students will engage with AI system development from problem articulation to data discovery through to deployment. Additionally, students will evaluate and utilize AI-tools to discern risks and advise on case strategy. Students will gather the skills and knowledge necessary to become critical and ethical users of expert systems and machine learning empowered technologies through these assignments.

There are no textbook or software purchase requirements for this course. All assigned readings and software used will be available for free to each student.

Enrollment Pre-/Co- Requisite Information

Prerequisites: LAW 110 (Civil Procedure), and either L.A.W. 360AB (LARW) or LAW 300 (LARW-INT) 

Course Areas of Practice
Evaluation Methods
  • Reflective Writing
  • Group project(s)
  • Practical exercises
  • Class participation
Degree Requirements
JD elective
JD experiential
IntlLLM NVE Cert
IntlLLM-SJD-EXC elective
Course Type
  • Simulation
Learning Outcomes
  • Exercise of proper professional and ethical responsibilities to clients and the legal system
  • Other professional skills needed for competent and ethical participation as a member of the legal profession

Spring 2021

2021
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

596.01 2
  • Reflective Writing
  • Group project(s)
  • Practical exercises
  • Class participation
 Casandra Laskowski

Artificial intelligence systems are already being employed at firms. Expert systems (rule-based AI) are used to automate workflows, while machine learning systems (data-driven AI) are used to manage complex litigation and provide strategic intelligence. These latter systems require large swaths of data, termed big data, to provide the computer sufficient information to perform predictions. This course will pull back the curtain on the different systems, allowing students of all skill levels to critically engage with the ethical implications of these systems on the practice of law.

NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, PROGRAMMING, OR TECHNOLOGY IS NEEDED FOR THIS COURSE.

Students will work with fellow “associates” to develop an expert system that enhances the firm’s pro bono efforts. Through this assignment, students will engage with AI system development from problem articulation to data discovery through to deployment. Additionally, students will evaluate and utilize AI-tools to discern risks and advise on case strategy. Students will gather the skills and knowledge necessary to become critical and ethical users of expert systems and machine learning empowered technologies through these assignments.

There are no textbook or software purchase requirements for this course. All assigned readings and software used will be available for free to each student.

Degree Requirements
Pre/Co-requisites

Prerequisites: LAW 110 (Civil Procedure), and either L.A.W. 360AB (LARW) or LAW 300 (LARW-INT) 

In this section

*Please note that this information is for planning purposes only, and should not be relied upon for the schedule for a given semester. Faculty leaves and sabbaticals, as well as other curriculum considerations, will sometimes affect when a course may be offered.