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Generative AI & Legal Research

A guide for students and faculty on using generative AI for legal research and writing

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Practical AI for Instructors and Students (5 part YouTube series), Ethan & Lilach Mollick 

Wharton Interactive's Faculty Director Ethan Mollick and Director of Pedagogy Lilack Mollick provide an overview of how LLMs work and explain how this latest generation of models has impacted how work and learn. 

Why I Use ChatGPT To Tell Me Things I Already Know, Law 360, 11/6/23

Despite the known risks of hallucinations, this article highlights the potential value of using ChatGPT as a memory aid for lawyers. It emphasizes that, in many situations, the demand for perfect accuracy is not necessary, and ChatGPT can efficiently provide memory joggers or suggestions. The author advises lawyers to use ChatGPT mindfully, recognizing its strengths and limitations, and suggests that, when strategically employed, it can enhance productivity without sacrificing accuracy in legal tasks.

AI Assistance in Legal Analysis: An Empirical Study, Minnesota Legal Studies Research Paper No. 23-22, 8/13/23

Can artificial intelligence (AI) augment human legal reasoning? To find out, we designed a novel experiment administering law school exams to students with and without access to GPT-4, the best-performing AI model currently available. 

How Students Prepping For The Bar Exam Can Leverage AI, Law360, 5/18/23

This article discusses how law students preparing for the bar exam can harness the power of AI to enhance their exam readiness. It highlights the emergence of AI-driven tools like ChatGPT, which can be used for legal research, drafting practice essays, and providing real-time feedback. These AI tools aim to help students improve their writing skills, legal knowledge, and overall exam performance. The article emphasizes that while AI can be a valuable resource, students should also receive traditional bar exam preparation and guidance from experienced instructors. Combining AI and traditional methods can offer a comprehensive and effective approach to bar exam preparation.

Can ChatGPT help law students learn to write better?ABA Journal, 3/6/23

This article explores the potential of ChatGPT in helping law students improve their writing skills. ChatGPT, an AI-powered language model, can provide students with instant feedback on their writing, suggest edits, and help them understand legal principles. While it can be a useful learning tool, legal educators stress the importance of a well-rounded legal education that includes traditional writing instruction, legal research skills, and guidance from experienced professors.

What is ChatGPT and What Should Students Know About AI Chatbots?, University of Arizona Global Campus, 6/19/23 

The article discusses ChatGPT and its applications for college students. It highlights that while ChatGPT can be a valuable resource, students need to be aware of the limitations and potential ethical concerns surrounding AI chatbots. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how AI tools like ChatGPT work, as well as their potential impact on privacy and learning outcomes. Students are encouraged to use AI chatbots as supplementary tools in their education while also developing critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of the subjects they are studying.

How you should - and shouldn't - use ChatGPT as a studentOpen Universities Australia, 2/16/23

This article discusses the ethical use of ChatGPT by students. It emphasizes the importance of academic integrity and cautions against using AI to generate assignments or cheat. Instead, students are encouraged to use ChatGPT as a learning tool to improve their understanding and enhance their writing skills. The article stresses the need for responsible AI usage and ethical considerations when incorporating ChatGPT into educational endeavors.

Law Students Assess Pros and Cons of ChatGPT as a Legal Research Tool, Wisblawg, 1/23/23

This article explores the pros and cons of using ChatGPT as a legal research tool for law students. It highlights the potential benefits, such as quick access to legal information and the ability to draft legal documents. However, it also raises concerns about the reliability of information generated by AI, the risk of plagiarism, and ethical considerations. The article suggests that while ChatGPT can be a valuable resource for law students, it should be used with caution, and students should verify the information it provides to ensure accuracy and adhere to ethical standards in their legal research and writing.