The legal industry is on the cusp of significant change as American Arbitration Association (AAA) collaborates with Practising Law Institute (PLI) to launch a new course aimed at guiding legal professionals through the intricacies of integrating generative AI into their practices. This initiative follows the leadership of Bridget Mary McCormack, the former chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, who has been pioneering AAA’s focus on innovation, particularly in advancing AI technology.
The course, aptly titled “Building a Law Firm AI Strategy: Lessons from the American Arbitration Association’s Transformation,” is a detailed program that leverages AAA’s own two-year journey of AI adaptation as a case study. Designed in partnership with Creative Lawyers, an innovation consulting firm, this self-paced, six-module course aims to arm law firm leaders with the essential skills required to manage AI-driven changes effectively.
The curriculum not only delves into the technicalities but also emphasizes change management strategies critical for successful AI integration. McCormack highlights the importance of the legal profession in leading this change, cautioning against leaving such a pivotal development solely in the hands of technologists. She argues that the foundational understanding of the legal system makes lawyers uniquely qualified to navigate and shape the future trajectory of AI in law.
This course isn’t just about feeding a growing hunger for knowledge on AI’s role in law; it seeks to address pressing issues such as structuring AI projects, identifying viable AI applications, and overcoming common challenges in implementation. With PLI’s wide-reaching network, which includes hundreds of thousands of legal professionals, the initiative is poised to reach a broad audience. Sharon L. Crane, president of PLI, underscored the timeliness of the course, asserting that AI is fundamentally transforming the legal arena, making such education crucial. More details about the course can be found here.
As the course gears for its Spring 2025 launch, an early registration discount is available at AAAiCourse.org, underscoring the expectation that there will be significant interest from law firms and corporate counsel looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI within the legal sector. Furthermore, AAA, Creative Lawyers, and PLI are already contemplating the next phases of AI-focused educational offerings, driven by persistent demand from legal professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and operationalize AI strategies within their practices.