There has been criticism of the legal profession for its lack of preparation in equipping law students with practical knowledge and skills that will enable them to succeed in the industry. The absence of legal innovation and technology in curricula has been particularly evident, particularly concerning generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI). While some institutions have sought to restrict access to Gen AI tools for students, others have yet to tackle this issue. However, Vanderbilt University’s Law School has taken proactive steps in recognising the potential impact of Gen AI on the legal profession.
Several years ago, Vanderbilt’s Law School established the Program of Law and Innovation, providing a collaborative space for learning and innovation. This initiative led to the development of the Vanderbilt AI Law Lab (VAILL), which represents a significant step towards the future of law, including utilising Gen AI. VAILL’s objective is to cultivate a diverse community of technologists, students, lawyers, educators, and designers to explore the full potential of Gen AI and to prepare students for the future.
The launch of VAILL was the first of many events to bring the legal community into the school and the work of VAILL. The launch event attracted a broad audience, including members of the Nashville tech community and beyond, reflecting the broad interest in the intersection of technology and law.
The initiative’s ultimate goal is to revolutionise the legal profession, with law schools responsible for preparing students for the significant changes that Gen AI and other technologies will inevitably bring. Students must adopt a mindset that enables them to be adaptable and agile when dealing with such changes, requiring them to embrace traits such as curiosity, creativity, and collaboration – qualities lawyers aren’t known for. VAILL aims to change this by creating a secure environment for students and others to experiment with technological tools.
The event also featured a panel of experts from diverse backgrounds who provided an in-depth analysis of the ethical implications and future possibilities of AI in legal practice. The panellists discussed the impact of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration on the legal profession. Additionally, the event showcased AI-powered platforms that can significantly reduce the time lawyers spend on tedious tasks and make legal practice more efficient.
Overall, VAILL’s launch provides a model for law schools on how to train students for the legal profession. It highlights the potential of AI to revolutionise the legal industry while emphasising the importance of a mindset that embraces curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.
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