How We Prepare Students
In late 2026, we conducted a survey of practitioners and employers, ranging from big law to public interest. Responses from across sectors underscored the need for lawyers entering the profession to be versed in the use of AI.
Wake Forest Law is preparing students to navigate a rapidly-evolving legal profession. Through coursework, professional development sessions, and opportunities to engage with emerging technologies, students develop the knowledge, skills, and judgment to use AI effectively and responsibly while understanding its legal and ethical implications.
- During Foundations Week orientation, all 1Ls are introduced to AI through the “AI, the Profession, and Law School” session where panelists discuss the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for the legal profession while emphasizing that the fundamental skills of lawyering remain more important than ever
- 1L legal research courses introduce students to Harvey.ai and other legal GenAI tools in the fall semester
- Over the spring semester, students receive more intensive instruction on legal GenAI tools
- In professional development courses, the use of AI is addressed as a core professional competency
- 2Ls and 3Ls receive extensive training on Harvey.ai in the fall semester
- Legal research courses provide training on the use of AI systems
- Professional responsibility courses cover the ethics of AI in practice
- Upper-year students can select from a suite of specialized courses centered on AI and legal practice
Wake Forest Law offers a number of AI-focused elective courses, including:
- AI Development and Regulation
- AI Law and Litigation
- GenAI and Legal Writing
- Designing Legal Applications
- Internet Law
Additionally, Wake Forest Law offers a broad range of Law & Technology courses. Visit the Planning Your Course of Study Tool to see available courses.