Artificial Intelligence Policy UC Berkeley School of Law [pdf] (www.law.berkeley.edu)

The UC Berkeley School of Law has announced a new policy on artificial intelligence (AI) use in legal education, which will take effect in Summer 2026. This policy prohibits students from utilizing AI for tasks such as conceptualizing, outlining, drafting, revising, or translating any work submitted for credit. It also restricts AI use in exam situations, ensuring that students develop critical cognitive skills essential for effective lawyering and uphold ethical standards in their practice. The rule emphasizes that while AI can assist with research to identify sources, students remain responsible for the accuracy and integrity of their submitted work. This initiative is significant for the AI/ML community as it underscores the growing need for legal professionals to balance technological proficiency with traditional analytical skills. By restricting AI's role in the educational process, Berkeley aims to cultivate a generation of lawyers who can critically assess AI outputs and apply legal reasoning without over-reliance on technology. Instructors retain the option to tailor AI usage based on course objectives, which may include intentional training in AI fluency, thus promoting a structured approach to incorporating AI into legal education while maintaining rigorous standards.