The University of Michigan Law School has established an AI Advisory Council, comprising 24 distinguished alumni and leaders from the legal profession, technology sector, and academia. This initiative underscores the school’s commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into legal education and practice.
Building upon existing AI-focused courses and research, the council aims to provide strategic guidance on curriculum development and the ethical use of AI in legal contexts. Faculty members are already engaging students through courses like “Artificial Intelligence and the Law,” which examines AI’s impact on liability, intellectual property, privacy, and regulation. Additionally, practical experiences such as the AI Sandbox allow students to work directly with emerging technologies.
In a recent statement, Neel U. Sukhatme, Dean of the Law School, emphasized the importance of preparing students to use AI tools thoughtfully and ethically in service of clients and the rule of law. The council’s inaugural meeting brought together a diverse range of perspectives to inform the Law School’s approach to AI. Mary E. Snapp, the council’s chair and a senior fellow at Microsoft’s Corporate External and Legal Affairs division, highlighted the dual challenge of equipping lawyers to use AI tools effectively while also critically assessing their limitations.
The AI Advisory Council will continue to meet regularly with Law School leadership, offering guidance on curriculum, programming, and strategic priorities. Members will also engage with students and faculty through events and other initiatives, helping to position Michigan Law as a leading voice in the evolving intersection of law and technology.
For more information on the AI Advisory Council and its members, visit the University of Michigan Law School’s official announcement.