Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming every industry, and the legal field is no exception. At UNC School of Law, students are diving headfirst into this AI-driven future. From the library to career services, AI tools are becoming just as essential as traditional legal resources. The goal? To enhance, not replace, the uniquely human skills that make great lawyers.
Last November, Carolina Law’s Dan K. Moore program became a hub for the legal community’s growing interest in AI. The virtual event, which focused on generative AI in business and transactional law, drew a staggering 265 attendees, making it clear legal professionals are eager to understand AI’s role in modern practice.
Among the featured experts was Clinical Associate Law Professor Nicole Downing, assistant director for public services at the Kathrine R. Everett Law Library. Downing is leading the charge in integrating AI into legal research instruction at Carolina Law.
“We’re introducing AI earlier in the semester and weaving it into our research process,” Downing explains. Her Advanced Legal Research program now includes generative AI as a specialized topic, utilizing tools like Lexis+ AI and Westlaw’s Practical Law AI, platforms chosen for their legal focus and reduced risk of inaccuracies.
However, Downing is quick to emphasize the importance of critical thinking alongside AI use. “We want to make sure our students are intelligent users of this technology,” she notes, addressing the challenge of balancing technological advancement with fundamental legal skills.
This balanced approach resonates with students like third-year law students Daniel Self and Ashwin “Ash” Thiruppathi. As editor-in-chief of the North Carolina Journal of Law and Technology, Self has found practical applications for AI. “I’ve used AI as a starting point for case law research during my summer work,” he shares.
Thiruppathi, an executive board member of the Carolina Intellectual Property Law Association (CIPLA), sees even broader potential. “AI could streamline document review and routine tasks typically assigned to junior associates,” he notes. “It might be especially useful in areas with recurring fact patterns, like landlord-tenant disputes.”
Both students, however, recognize AI’s current limitations. “The output often falls short of the standard needed for assignments,” Thiruppathi reflects, echoing Downing’s emphasis on human oversight.
Carolina Law’s Career Development Office (CDO) is also embracing AI’s potential in career preparation. Associate Dean for Careers and Professional Development Rob Birrenkott shares, “We’re developing guides to help students use AI effectively in various situations.” These resources assist with resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation.
Thiruppathi sees value in this approach, especially for job applications. “AI could be helpful when applying to multiple firms during on-campus interviews,” he notes. But both Thiruppathi and Birrenkott are quick to stress the importance of maintaining individuality, guiding students to use AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, their unique perspectives.
Looking ahead, Self and Thiruppathi express a mix of anticipation and caution about AI’s role in their future careers. “I’m curious to see how it will shape practice in the coming years,” Self shares. Thiruppathi adds, “I think we’ll see some innovative tools emerge as AI technology progresses.”
While classroom integration and career services are at the forefront of Carolina Law’s AI initiatives, the commitment and interest extend even further. The Dan K. Moore Program in November sparked a series of conversations about AI’s role in the legal world. Building on this momentum, the Wade H. Hargrove Media Law and Policy Colloquium in April 2024 explored “Media Law in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”
Reef C. Ivey II Excellence Fund Term Professor of Law David Ardia, co-director of the UNC Center for Media Law and Policy, led a lively discussion on AI’s impact on copyright law, defamation, political communication, and journalism. These events have created a space where leading practitioners, scholars, and students can grapple with the complexities of AI in law.
As AI continues to reshape law practice, Carolina Law is ensuring its students are ready for what’s next. By providing opportunities for critical discussions and integrating AI into various aspects of legal education, the law school is committed to preparing graduates who can use these tools effectively while maintaining the essential skills and ethics that define great lawyers.
