According to a recent survey conducted by LexisNexis, the use of large language models such as ChatGPT is growing within the legal profession. However, the survey also found that law students are the least likely to use generative AI in their studies and work. Only 9% of law students currently use generative AI, and just 25% plan to incorporate it into their work in the future.
Serena Wellen, senior director of product management for LexisNexis North America, examined the survey’s findings to determine why law students are hesitant to use generative AI. In her article Learning the Law with AI: Why Law School Students Are Tentative about Using ChatGPT, she discusses some of the reasons law students may be reluctant to adopt the technology.
One possible reason is that law students are concerned about the accuracy and reliability of generative AI. Law is a precise and complex field, and students may worry that AI tools may not be able to accurately understand and interpret legal concepts. Another reason may be the fear that generative AI will de-skill the legal profession, replacing human lawyers with machines.
Wellen advises that law schools need to do more to address these concerns and educate students about the benefits of AI in the legal profession. She suggests that instructors incorporate AI into the legal curriculum and offer training sessions to help students become more comfortable with using the technology.
Overall, while the use of AI in the legal profession is growing, there is still some reluctance among law students to incorporate the technology into their studies and work. It will be important for law schools and legal professionals to address these concerns and demonstrate the value of AI in the legal field.
