In a bold move to enhance legal education in the age of artificial intelligence, the University of Chicago Law School has announced a ban on laptops and smartphones for first-year students starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. This decision is driven by a desire to ensure that students develop essential skills that set exceptional lawyers apart, rather than relying on technology for their learning.
A Shift in Pedagogy
The new policy is part of the law school’s initiative to create “AI-resilient pedagogy and assessments,” aiming to cultivate critical, strategic, and independent thinking. University administrators assert, “We need to ensure that our students actually learn to think critically, strategically, and independently without relying on AI.” This shift comes amid growing concerns about the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence in various professions, particularly law.
By removing electronic devices from the classroom, the University of Chicago hopes to create an environment where students engage more deeply with the material and each other. The school acknowledges that while AI is becoming increasingly integrated into legal practice, it is vital for future lawyers to navigate this new landscape with a solid foundation in traditional legal principles, independent thought, and ethical considerations.
Rethinking Assessments
In addition to the device ban, examinations will be conducted in-class without access to the internet or any electronic files or applications. This approach aims to push students to rely on their knowledge and reasoning skills rather than technology, which could potentially undermine their ability to think on their feet in real-world legal scenarios.
The law school’s AI strategy further emphasises the importance of teaching students how to use AI “responsibly, effectively, and ethically.” It recognises that while AI tools can enhance legal practice, they should not replace the critical skills that underpin effective lawyering.
The Legal Sector’s AI Dilemma
Research indicates that the legal profession is particularly vulnerable to automation, with a staggering 100 per cent of legal occupations classified as “high exposure” to AI technologies. This means that many cognitive tasks currently performed by human lawyers could soon be undertaken by machines.
A recent landmark case in the UK has showcased this shift. The AI-powered law firm Garfield AI made headlines by utilising an AI lawyer to successfully build a case, marking the first time an AI lawyer triumphed against human counsel. CEO Philip Young declared, “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 underscore the urgency for law schools to adapt their curricula and teaching methods to prepare students for a future where AI plays an increasingly significant role in the legal field.
Why it Matters
The University of Chicago Law School’s decision to ban laptops and smartphones is a significant step towards redefining legal education for the AI era. By prioritising critical thinking and ethical engagement over technological reliance, the institution aims to equip future lawyers with the skills necessary to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape. In a world where AI continues to reshape industries, fostering independent thought and responsible usage of technology will be essential for the next generation of legal professionals.
