The Evolving Role of Artificial Intelligence in Legal Education and Research

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the legal profession has accelerated in recent decades, reshaping both the teaching and practice of law. This article explores the historical development of AI in the legal sector, its growing role in legal education, international best practices in AI-assisted teaching, and its transformative impact on legal research. By examining AI’s progression from early expert systems to advanced machine learning and natural language processing tools, the study demonstrates how AI aids in personalized learning, efficient case analysis, and predictive analytics. However, the article also addresses the major challenges posed by AI’s increasing influence, including ethical concerns, bias, data privacy, and skill gaps. It concludes by emphasizing the need for careful, ethically grounded, and strategically planned integration of AI into legal education and research, ensuring that technological innovations serve the overarching goals of justice and professional integrity.

Keywords: Legal Research, Machine Learning, Ethics.

Abbreviations:

AI – Artificial Intelligence

ML – Machine Learning

NLP – Natural Language Processing

GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation

Introduction

The legal profession is experiencing a paradigm shift driven by rapid technological advancements. Traditionally, legal work has relied on human expertise for tasks such as drafting briefs, conducting in-depth legal research, and analyzing complex cases. Over the past two decades, however, the advent of AI has introduced powerful new tools that augment human capabilities. Innovations in machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and predictive analytics are fundamentally altering how lawyers work and how law students learn.[1]

In this evolving landscape, legal education cannot remain static. Law schools must prepare future lawyers not only to interpret and apply legal rules but also to engage effectively with emerging technologies. AI-assisted legal research platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, and automated contract review tools are becoming standard in top law firms and legal departments.[2] Incorporating these technologies into the curriculum helps new graduates develop the technical literacy and critical thinking skills necessary for a data-driven legal marketplace.

At the same time, the adoption of AI in legal contexts raises significant ethical, regulatory, and pedagogical questions. Issues such as algorithmic bias, privacy breaches, explainability, and the redefinition of professional roles require careful consideration.[3] This article offers a comprehensive analysis of AI’s historical role in law, its integration into legal education, best practices from various jurisdictions, and its impact on legal research. The discussion culminates with an examination of the main problems and a conclusion that outlines pathways toward responsible and effective use of AI in the legal sector.

1. The Historical Approach

The application of AI to the legal field dates to the late 20^th century. Early attempts focused on expert systems designed to simulate the reasoning of seasoned attorneys, particularly in specialized domains like tax law. One of the earliest milestones was the development of rule-based programs that attempted to replicate human logic and judgment.[4] Although these initial systems were limited by computational power and data availability, they established a foundation for future advancements.

By the 1990s and early 2000s, the widespread adoption of the internet and increasing computational capacity facilitated the creation of comprehensive online legal databases and rudimentary search engines. Lawyers and researchers could access large collections of statutes, cases, and commentary at unprecedented speed, though searches often relied on keyword matching rather than semantic understanding.

The post-2010 era witnessed a significant leap forward due to ML, NLP, and neural network technologies. AI-driven tools now understand legal language with greater nuance, automate document review, and predict case outcomes with increasing accuracy.[5] These modern systems are not mere replacements for human judgment; rather, they complement and enhance human capabilities, guiding strategic decisions and highlighting previously unseen patterns in legal texts.

2. The Role of AI in Legal Education

Legal education has traditionally emphasized the development of analytical reasoning, doctrinal understanding, and persuasive advocacy skills. While these remain crucial, the emergence of AI demands a shift to include technological competence and digital literacy.[6] AI’s role in legal education can be understood in several key ways:

Personalized and Adaptive Learning:
Intelligent tutoring systems can track student performance, identify problem areas, and offer customized feedback. Such platforms enable learners to progress at their own pace, focusing on strengthening their weakest skills.[7]

Enhanced Research Capabilities:
Familiarity with AI-driven research tools prepares students for an environment where legal information retrieval and case analytics are increasingly automated. Students learn to navigate vast databases efficiently, improving their research acumen.[8]

Critical Engagement with Technology:
Integrating discussions about AI ethics, data privacy, and algorithmic bias into the curriculum encourages students to think critically about the tools they use. This cultivates lawyers who can assess not only the legal sources but also the technology’s trustworthiness and fairness.[9]

Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
As legal work increasingly intersects with technology, students who learn to collaborate with data scientists, technologists, and designers gain a competitive edge. Interdisciplinary skills enable lawyers to contribute meaningfully to teams that develop or oversee AI tools.[10]

3. Best Practices of Various Countries

As mentioned above, the use of artificial intelligence tools in legal education is not a recent phenomenon. Worldwide, AI tools and their application within the field of legal education are continually refined and developed. Different countries have adopted varying approaches in this regard. Within the scope of our research, we would like to briefly present the best practices of various systems:

• United States: In the U.S., some law schools partner with technology firms to integrate AI-powered legal research platforms into their Workshops help faculty learn to incorporate NLP-based tools into their teaching. Courses also cover algorithmic accountability and data protection laws.[11]


• United Kingdom: British law faculties emphasize critical assessment of AI. Students evaluate AI-driven legal opinions and consider the ethical implications of automated reasoning. Interdisciplinary seminars involving computer scientists and ethicists foster a nuanced [12]


• Australia: Australian institutions focus on experiential learning. Simulated “virtual law firms” allow students to apply AI-assisted contract analysis tools, helping them develop practical skills for a tech-enhanced legal environment.[13]


• Singapore: Singapore’s technologically advanced legal ecosystem incorporates AI tools from the outset. Students access NLP-enhanced databases and predictive analytics, ensuring that technological fluency becomes a core component of their legal training.[14]


• European Union Member States: EU countries emphasize compliance with data protection laws and fairness Law schools teach students to evaluate AI tools against the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and emerging EU guidelines on trustworthy AI.[15]

4. The Role of AI in Legal Research

Artificial intelligence is actively used in the field of research as well, and legal research is no exception in this regard. AI has revolutionized legal research by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and insight:

• Efficient Information Retrieval: NLP-driven search engines refine queries semantically, retrieving documents that align more closely with the researcher’s intent. Tools like Westlaw Edge and LexisNexis Context leverage ML to suggest related materials.[16]


• Predictive Analytics and Outcome Forecasting: Some AI models analyze judicial decisions to predict case outcomes with varying degrees of accuracy. While not definitive, these predictions help lawyers gauge litigation risks and refine their case strategies.[17]


• Pattern Recognition and Trend Analysis: ML can detect shifts in legal doctrines, identify patterns in judicial reasoning, and reveal correlations between precedents. This aids scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in understanding the evolving legal landscape.[18]


• Quality Control and Consistency: Automated review tools catch contradictory precedents, outdated citations, and errors. This consistency check reduces the risk of oversight and improves the quality of legal [19]

5. Main Problems

As shown above, artificial intelligence has made the processes of legal education and research easier. Tasks that once required substantial time and human resources can now be accomplished much more quickly and easily with the help of AI. Nevertheless, a number of problems and challenges persist, including:

• Bias and Fairness: AI systems trained on historical data may perpetuate systemic Oversight, diverse training sets, and regular audits are necessary to mitigate harmful outcomes.[20]


• Ethical and Professional Responsibility: Lawyers must ensure AI use aligns with professional standards, safeguarding client confidentiality and verifying the credibility of AI-generated Ethical codes may need updating to reflect these new responsibilities.[21]


• Data Protection and Privacy: Sensitive legal data must be handled with Adherence to privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR) and robust cybersecurity measures are essential to maintain trust.[22]


• Explainability and Transparency: Many AI algorithms operate as “black boxes”, making their reasoning Explainable AI models are needed to preserve trust in legal outcomes and facilitate meaningful judicial review.[23]


• Skill Gaps and Training Needs: Educators and practitioners often lack the technical literacy to evaluate AI tools critically. Continuous professional development, interdisciplinary training, and updated curricula can bridge this gap.[24]


• Regulatory Uncertainty: The legal framework governing AI use remains in flux. Policymakers must clarify liability standards, acceptable use cases, and professional norms to provide certainty and encourage responsible innovation.[25]

6. Challenges within the National System

            In Georgia, legal education is regulated by the state. Since the legal profession is considered a regulated profession, the state determines a sector-specific standard for legal education. This standard sets forth the minimum competencies and benchmarks that legal education programs must meet. The standard was most recently revised in 2020.[26] Although, at first glance, the standard appears quite comprehensive, it does not establish any form of competencies related to artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, AI is employed in the legal field through educational simulations, so-called “smart contracts”, investigations, research, and other areas. Yet, the Georgian standard for legal education does not address challenges associated with AI in any way. As part of the research, the country’s existing legal education programs were examined. In only a small fraction of these programs does AI-related subject matter appear, and even then, only indirectly. We believe that the Georgian legal education standard should be updated in this respect to include AI-related topics. Furthermore, it would be advisable for universities to adopt global best practices in teaching law courses and to incorporate AI tools into their curricula.

conclusion

The emergence of AI in law necessitates a dynamic response from both legal educators and researchers. When integrated responsibly, AI enriches pedagogy, streamlines research, and empowers practitioners to navigate increasingly complex information environments. Yet, these benefits must be balanced with vigilance. Ethical safeguards, data protection mechanisms, explainability requirements, and continuous skill development are essential for building trust and ensuring that AI serves justice rather than undermining it. As the legal profession evolves, interdisciplinary collaboration, informed policymaking and ethical reflection become indispensable. By embracing AI thoughtfully, the legal community can uphold its core values while seizing the opportunities presented by technological innovation.

Bibliography

Monographies:

1. Ashley, D. (2017). Artificial Intelligence and Legal Analytics: New Tools for Law Practice in the Digital Age. Cambridge University Press, New York;


2. Barfield, , Pagallo, U. (Eds.). (2018). Research Handbook on the Law of Artificial Intelligence. Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham;


3. Gardner, v. (1987). An Artificial Intelligence Approach to Legal Reasoning. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA;


4. Susskind, (2019). Online Courts and the Future of Justice. Oxford University Press, Oxford. 

Scientific Articles:

1. Alarie, , Niblett, A., Yoon, A. (2018). How Artificial Intelligence will Affect the Practice of Law. University of Toronto Law Journal, 68(1), University of Toronto Press, Toronto;


2. Bryant, , Davis, D., Surden, H. (2020). Emerging Technologies in Legal Education. Legal Education Review, 30(2), LexisNexis, Sydney;


3. Gelter, , Siems, M. (2021). Networks, Dialogue, and Learning in Legal Education. Journal of Legal Education, 70(2), Association of American Law Schools, Washington, DC;


4. Katz, M., Bommarito, M. J., Blackman, J. (2017). A General Approach for Predicting the Behavior of the Supreme Court of the United States. Plos One, 12(4), Public Library of Science, San Francisco, e0174698;


5. Lauritsen, (2016). Artificial Intelligence in Law: The State of Play 2016. Law Practice, 42(3), American Bar Association, Chicago;


6. Leith, (2019). The Rise and Fall of the Legal Expert System. European Journal of Law and Technology, 10(1), European Journal of Law and Technology, London.

Web Pages:

1. Chan, G. (2020). AI in Singapore’s Legal Sector: An LawTech SG. Available at: <https://www.lawtech.sg/ai-legal-sector-overview> (Last access: 15.10.2024);


2. European (2019). Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI. Brussels: European Commission. Available at: <https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/dae/document.cfm?doc_id=60419> (Last access: 15.10.2024);


3. Surden, (2021). Computable Contracts and Contract Analytics: AI and Legal Text Processing. Oxford University Press (online excerpt), New York;


4. Tang, (2019). Legal Technology and Education in Australia. Law Council of Australia. Available at: <https://www.lawcouncil.asn.au/technology> (Last access: 15.10.2024);


5. National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (Georgia). National Standart of Legal Education (Georgia). Available at: <https://eqe.ge>.

Footnotes

[1] Susskind, R. (2019). Online Courts and the Future of Justice. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp. 57-60.

[2] Ashley, K.D. (2017). Artificial Intelligence and Legal Analytics: New Tools for Law Practice in the Digital Age. Cambridge University Press, New York, pp. 23-45.

[3] Surden, H. (2021). Computable Contracts and Contract Analytics: AI and Legal Text Processing. Oxford University Press (online excerpt), New York, pp. 77-89.

[4] Gardner, A. v. (1987). An Artificial Intelligence Approach to Legal Reasoning. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, pp. 10-15.

[5] Alarie, B., Niblett, A., Yoon, A. (2018). How Artificial Intelligence will Affect the Practice of Law. University of Toronto Law Journal, 68(1), University of Toronto Press, Toronto, pp. 106-115.

[6] Ashley, K.D. (2017). Artificial Intelligence and Legal Analytics: New Tools for Law Practice in the Digital Age. Cambridge University Press, New York, pp. 23-45.

[7] Bryant, S., Davis, D., Surden, H. (2020). Emerging Technologies in Legal Education. Legal Education Review, 30(2), LexisNexis, Sydney, pp. 52-54.

[8] Lauritsen, M. (2016). Artificial Intelligence in Law: The State of Play 2016. Law Practice, 42(3), American Bar Association, Chicago, pp. 42-43.

[9] Gelter, M., Siems, M. (2021). Networks, Dialogue, and Learning in Legal Education. Journal of Legal Education, 70(2), Association of American Law Schools, Washington, DC, pp. 349-383.

[10] Surden, H. (2021). Computable Contracts and Contract Analytics: AI and Legal Text Processing. Oxford University Press (online excerpt), New York, pp. 77-89, 105-108.

[11] Ibid., pp. 105-108.

[12] Leith, P. (2019). The Rise and Fall of the Legal Expert System. European Journal of Law and Technology, 10(1), European Journal of Law and Technology, London, pp. 2-4.

[13] Tang, Y. (2019). Legal Technology and Education in Australia. Law Council of Australia, pp 11-13. Available at: <https://www.lawcouncil.asn.au/technology> (Last access: 15.10.2024).

[14] Chan, G. (2020). AI in Singapore’s Legal Sector: An Overview. LawTech SG. Available at: <https://www.lawtech.sg/ai-legal-sector-overview> (Last access: 15.10.2024).

[15] European Commission. (2019). Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI. Brussels: European Commission, pp. 5-10, 10-12. Available at: <https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/dae/document.cfm?doc_id=60419> (Last access: 15.10.2024).

[16] Lauritsen, M. (2016). Artificial Intelligence in Law: The State of Play 2016. Law Practice, 42(3), American Bar Association, Chicago, pp. 42-43.

[17] Katz, D.M., Bommarito, M. J., Blackman, J. (2017). A General Approach for Predicting the Behavior of the Supreme Court of the United States. Plos One, 12(4), Public Library of Science, San Francisco, e0174698, pp. 3-5.

[18] Alarie, B., Niblett, A., Yoon, A. (2018). How Artificial Intelligence Will Affect the Practice of Law. University of Toronto Law Journal, 68(1), University of Toronto Press, Toronto, pp. 110-115.

[19] Ashley, K.D. (2017). Artificial Intelligence and Legal Analytics: New Tools for Law Practice in the Digital Age. Cambridge University Press, New York, pp. 125-128.

[20] Barfield, W., Pagallo, U. (Eds.). (2018). Research Handbook on the Law of Artificial Intelligence. Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham, pp. 112-115.

[21] Surden, H. (2021). Computable Contracts and Contract Analytics: AI and Legal Text Processing. Oxford University Press (online excerpt), New York, pp. 130-133.

[22] European Commission. (2019). Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI. Brussels: European Commission, pp. 10-12. Available at: <https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/dae/document.cfm?doc_id=60419> (Last access: 15.10.2024).

[23] Susskind, R. (2019). Online Courts and the Future of Justice. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp. 120-123.

[24] Ashley, K.D. (2017). Artificial Intelligence and Legal Analytics: New Tools for Law Practice in the Digital Age. Cambridge University Press, New York, pp. 140-142.

[25] Barfield, W., & Pagallo, U. (Eds.). (2018). Research Handbook on the Law of Artificial Intelligence. Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham, pp. 200-205.

[26] National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (Georgia). National Standart of Legal Education (Georgia). Available at: <https://eqe.ge>.