Recent reports suggesting a widespread integration of artificial intelligence (AI) education in law schools have been met with skepticism. A Reuters article recently highlighted findings from a survey conducted by the American Bar Association (ABA), claiming that more than half of law schools now offer AI classes. However, a closer look at the survey brings these claims into question.
According to the ABA’s AI and Legal Education Survey Results 2024, 55% of responding law schools offer classes on AI, and 83% offer curricular opportunities related to AI. However, the critical point here is the sample size. Out of 200 law schools contacted, only 29 responded. This means that the 55% figure pertains to just 16 law schools, translating to approximately 8% of all law schools in the United States. Similarly, the 83% figure applies to 24 law schools, roughly 12% of the total accredited institutions.
It’s worth noting that the survey itself acknowledges its limitations, stating that the results are “not a scientifically reliable measure of how legal education as a whole is responding to AI,” due to the limited sample size and potential response bias.
Andrew Perlman, dean of Suffolk University Law School and one of the survey’s conductors, provided a more nuanced interpretation of the data. Perlman suggested that, while the low response rate makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions, the results indicate a growing trend among a material number of law schools to address AI in legal education. His perspective aligns with the notion that these institutions might be early adopters, reflecting what could become more widespread in the future.
In essence, while some progress is being made, the claim that over half of law schools offer AI classes is not supported by the survey data. It seems prudent to temper expectations and recognize that, while AI is becoming an integral part of legal education, its adoption is far from universal.
For a detailed critique of the survey, the full article can be read here.