In a groundbreaking move, the University of Chicago Law School has decided to prohibit the use of laptops and smartphones in classrooms for incoming first-year students, starting from the 2026-2027 academic year. This bold policy aims to combat the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) in legal education and ensure that students cultivate essential skills in critical thinking, strategy, and independent thought.
A Shift in Educational Strategy
The new regulations come as part of the law school’s broader initiative to develop what it terms “AI-resilient pedagogy and assessments.” University administrators emphasise the need for students to engage deeply with the material without the crutch of technology. “We need to ensure that our students actually learn to think critically, strategically, and independently without relying on AI,” the law school’s AI strategy articulates.
By removing electronic devices from the classroom, the University of Chicago is pushing for a more traditional approach to legal education, which administrators believe will better prepare students for a future where human insight and creativity remain paramount.
In-Class Examinations: A Return to Fundamentals
In addition to the ban on electronic devices, students will face in-class examinations that prohibit any form of internet access, electronic files, or apps. This comprehensive approach ensures that assessments reflect students’ understanding and analytical abilities, rather than their proficiency in navigating AI tools.
The law school acknowledges that while AI is increasingly integrated into the legal profession, it is crucial for students to learn how to utilise this technology responsibly and ethically. The institution’s strategy reflects a commitment to balancing technological advancement with the cultivation of core human skills.
A Sector Under Pressure
The legal profession is facing significant challenges due to automation, as highlighted by the AI Exposure Index, which indicated that all legal occupations fall under the category of “high exposure” to AI technologies. Cognitive tasks traditionally performed by human lawyers can now be managed by sophisticated algorithms, raising questions about the future landscape of the profession.
This shift was underscored recently when Garfield AI, an innovative law firm based in the UK, made history by successfully employing an AI lawyer to build a case. The firm’s CEO, Philip Young, celebrated the milestone, stating, “This is the first trial ever won by an AI lawyer against human opposition, anywhere, ever. It’s the dawn of a new age of access to justice.” Such developments only amplify the urgency for law schools to adapt their teaching methods in response to the evolving role of technology in the field.
Embracing Change Responsibly
The University of Chicago’s AI strategy underscores an important point: while the integration of AI in legal practice is inevitable, how future lawyers engage with this technology must be carefully considered. The law school has pledged to continuously review and adapt its policies as technology and legal practices evolve. This commitment ensures that graduates not only understand the mechanics of AI but also appreciate the ethical implications of its use in the legal context.
Why it Matters
The University of Chicago Law School’s decision to ban electronic devices is more than just a rejection of technology; it represents a critical step towards ensuring that future lawyers are equipped with the intellectual tools necessary to navigate a rapidly changing landscape. By prioritising human skills over reliance on AI, the institution is shaping a generation of legal professionals who can think critically and act ethically, thereby preserving the integrity of the legal profession in an age of automation. This approach may serve as a blueprint for other educational institutions grappling with similar challenges, ultimately influencing the future of legal education worldwide.
