Research Guides: Generative AI Tools and Resources for Law Students: Generative AI in Law School

Generative AI Use at UC Davis

Code of Academic Conduct
The UC Davis Code of Academic Conduct prohibits the use of artificial intelligence-generated content in coursework and exams unless explicitly authorized by the instructor in writing. Students are expected to submit their own original work and cannot take credit for AI-generated content without proper attribution, as this is considered a form of plagiarism. Law students should refer to their professors’ syllabi for guidance on use of AI tools in their classes.
Generative Artificial Intelligence for Teaching, Research and Learning
This research guide by the UC Davis Library and the Center for Educational Effectiveness discusses the application of generative AI in academia. It includes definitions, use cases, learning implications, copyright considerations, citation best practices, prompt engineering, and limitations and biases.
Aggie AI: Artificial Intelligence at UC Davis
This guide from the Information and Education Technology (IET) department provides information on the use of AI technologies at UC Davis. It includes guidelines, best practices, and helpful resources for using AI responsibly and effectively in academic settings. It offers a curated collection of AI-related articles; product briefs on tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini; guidance and educational materials; and information on upcoming AI-related events, workshops and seminars happening within the university.
Advancing Responsible AI at the University of California
This website provides guidance on the ethical and transparent use of artificial intelligence across the UC system. It outlines UC’s Responsible AI Principles and offers an "AI 101" training for UC students, faculty, and staff.

Learning with Generative AI: Opportunities and Challenges

Generative AI tools can make studying feel faster and easier, but easier isn't always better for learning. Research in cognitive psychology shows that lasting understanding often comes from grappling with hard problems. The following resources explore how AI might help or hinder that process, and what law students should keep in mind when using AI to study.

How Does AI Affect How We Learn? A Cognitive Psychologist Explains Why You Learn When the Work Is Hard
Cognitive science research shows that lasting learning comes from effortful thinking, not from tasks that feel easy. When AI takes over the most challenging parts of studying, it can short-circuit the very processes that build memory and reasoning skills. For law students, this raises important questions about how to use AI as a study tool without losing the benefits that come from grappling with difficult material.
How AI Changes Student Thinking: The Hidden Cognitive Risks
Maya, a student coping with climate anxiety, turned to AI for support. Instead of easing her concerns, the system mirrored her fears back to her, intensifying them. This article shows how AI can create feedback loops that reinforce biases and shape how we think. For law students, it’s a caution that while AI can be a powerful tool, professional growth depends on testing assumptions and practicing independent reasoning.

Connect & Learn: Legal Tech Communities for Law Students

Explore these student-focused spaces to connect, share ideas, and stay current on legal tech and AI.

LunchGPT
LunchGPT offers virtual brown bag sessions for law students interested in the latest developments at the intersection of AI and law. These hour-long programs offer a space to learn, discuss, and connect. Students and faculty can join the LunchGPT Google Group to stay informed about upcoming sessions.
Students of LegalTech
This LinkedIn group connects students interested in the intersection of law and technology. Group members can use the space to exchange ideas, discuss emerging tools and trends, and build a professional network with like-minded peers.

Generative AI Goes to Law School

Explore how AI is making its mark in legal education with these reads. From ChatGPT's struggles with Bluebook citations to its surprising performance on law school exams, these articles explore the practical uses and limitations of AI in law school. Whether you're curious about generative AI's potential or skeptical of its shortcomings, this collection offers a look at the intersection of law school and legal tech.

Law School Students to Argue Before Jury of AI Programs in Mock Trial
At the University of North Carolina School of Law, students will stage “The Trial of Henry Justus” during Converge-Con 2025, a mock criminal trial set in 2036 under a fictional AI Criminal Justice Act. A jury of three AI models (ChatGPT, Grok, and Claude) will evaluate live arguments and testimony. The experiment explores how generative AI might function as a decision-maker in future legal systems and raises questions about bias, legitimacy, and the role of technology in justice.
The 'Why' & 'How' of Artificial Intelligence in Legal Scholarship
In a first-of-its-kind issue, the Texas A&M Journal of Property Law published a collection of law review articles explicitly written with generative AI assistance. This foreword explains the editors’ decision to publish AI-assisted work and offers a practical framework for transparency, authorship standards, and editorial review. A useful read for students and editors thinking critically about AI in legal writing.
Navigating the AI Revolution in Law School: Lessons from the Front Lines
University of Tennessee 3L Austin Gergen shares how he uses AI tools like Lexis+ AI and ChatGPT for research and studying. He discusses the benefits, such as faster access to relevant case law and personalized writing aids, and the risks, including hallucinated citations, lack of transparency, and confidentiality concerns.
Bye-Bye, Bluebook? Automating Legal Procedure with Large Language Models
Yale law student Matthew Dahl tested whether top AI models could accurately follow The Bluebook's citation rules. The study emphasizes that AI tools still struggle with the procedural precision legal practice demands.
Should Law Students Be Using AI — Even on Exams?
Law professor Robert Diab asks whether law students should use AI during exams. Critics argue it undermines independent analysis; others say legal education should reflect real-world AI use. Diab suggests a middle path: assess how well law students use AI, not whether they avoid it.
Generative Artificial Intelligence vs. Law Students: An Empirical Study on Criminal Law Exam Performance
This Australian study compared law student exam responses with AI-generated ones. Most AI submissions underperformed, but when paired with structured prompts, some scored higher. The takeaway: AI isn't replacing lawyers, but knowing how to use it is a competitive edge.
The Mythical Innovation Attorney
Jessica Kerner, Senior Practice Innovation Attorney at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, explains the rise of legal innovation roles in law firms. These professionals focus on AI, process design, and tech adoption. A good read for law students considering careers beyond traditional legal practice.
Law Professor Gives Lexis+ AI a Failing Grade
Law professor Benjamin Perrin found Lexis+ AI prone to hallucinations and conceptual errors. His verdict: it's not ready for legal research or classroom use.
Build a ChatGPT Legal Mentor in 10 Minutes
Law professor Josh Kubicki shows how to turn ChatGPT into a study partner by customizing prompts and settings. An accessible intro to AI-assisted self-study.
AI and The Bluebook: Why ChatGPT Falls Short of Traditional Algorithms for Bluebook Legal Citation Formatting
This article breaks down ChatGPT's citation flaws, from missing italics to inventing abbreviations: The verdict: it's not Bluebook ready.
ChatGPT Goes to Law School
Curious how AI would do on law school exams? This paper documents ChatGPT's performance on real law school exams and explores how legal education might adapt to its presence.
Does ChatGPT Produce Fishy Briefs?
Can bees be fish? This experiment asked ChatGPT to write briefs for a real California case. It showed how AI can mimic argument structure but also why lawyers still need to check its work.
How Students Prepping For The Bar Exam Can Leverage AI
ChatGPT can help create outlines, practice essay questions, and flashcards, but it can also mislead. This article encourages thoughtful use of AI as a study aid.
Learning the Law with AI: Why Law School Students Are Tentative about Using ChatGPT
Some law students embrace AI for efficiency, but many remain wary. Concerns include reliability, academic integrity, and loss of skill development.
The Future of Legal Tech: Insights from Digitally Native Law Students
Law students see potential for AI in legal work but worry about bias, due diligence, and over-reliance. This article captures the AI ambivalence of the next generation of lawyers.