In an effort to prepare law students for the evolving legal landscape shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), Emory University School of Law has announced the launch of a new concentration in Artificial Intelligence and the Law. This initiative, set to begin in the 2026–27 academic year, will provide students with a structured pathway to develop expertise in an area that is rapidly transforming legal practice.
The decision reflects a growing recognition among law schools that AI is no longer just a technological phenomenon—it is reshaping how laws are made, interpreted, and enforced. From data privacy regulations to intellectual property disputes involving generative AI tools, the intersection of law and technology is becoming increasingly complex. Emory Law’s new concentration aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate these challenges.
A Strategic Move in Legal Education
Emory Law has long been at the forefront of integrating AI into legal education. Its existing programs already offer courses that explore the ethical, legal, and policy implications of artificial intelligence. The launch of a dedicated concentration marks a significant step forward in formalizing this educational focus.
The new program builds on Emory University’s broader AI.Humanity Initiative, which seeks to ensure that AI development aligns with human values and societal needs. By combining law courses with interdisciplinary offerings from business, technology, and quantitative methods, the concentration reflects a holistic approach to understanding AI’s impact on legal systems.
“This is another step forward in the number one strategic goal of this administration: student flourishing,” said Richard Freer, dean of Emory Law. “By offering this concentration, we are preparing students not only for today’s legal challenges but also for the future.”
Structure and Requirements
The AI & Law concentration requires students to complete at least 12 credits across three core areas: foundational courses at the intersection of law and AI, privacy and technology law, and intellectual property. These foundational courses will cover topics such as algorithmic bias, legal accountability for autonomous systems, and the regulation of AI in various industries.
Students can also supplement their coursework with approved electives, internships, and externships that provide real-world experience working with AI technologies in legal settings. Unlike some specialized programs, there is no competitive application process—students simply need to meet the credit requirements and express interest during their final semester.
Those who complete the concentration will have “Artificial Intelligence and the Law Concentration” listed directly on their transcript, signaling to employers that they possess both an understanding of AI’s legal implications and practical experience in applying this knowledge.
A Team of Leading Scholars
The success of the new program is supported by a team of distinguished scholars and practitioners who serve as advisors. This group includes:
- Matthew Sag, a leading authority on copyright and AI, who has testified before the U.S. Senate on generative AI.
- Ifeoma Ajunwa, founding director of Emory Law’s AI and the Future of Work Program and author of The Quantified Worker.
- Jessica Roberts, a scholar of AI’s legal and ethical implications in healthcare.
- Kevin Quinn, who teaches Data Science and the Law and focuses on empirical legal studies.
- Nicole Morris, director of Emory Law’s Innovation and Legal Tech Initiative and recognized as one of the American Bar Association’s Women of Legal Tech.
These advisors bring a wealth of expertise to the program, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that addresses both theoretical and practical aspects of AI in law.
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Preparing for the Future of Legal Practice
The launch of the AI & Law concentration is not just an academic milestone—it has significant implications for the future of legal practice. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, lawyers must be equipped to understand its capabilities, limitations, and ethical challenges.
Graduates who complete this concentration will be able to signal to employers that they are fluent in navigating the legal complexities of artificial intelligence. This fluency is becoming a core competency for legal professionals working in areas such as data privacy, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.
Moreover, the program helps students develop critical thinking skills that are essential in a world where AI systems influence decision-making processes across industries. By learning to think like lawyers in an AI-driven environment, graduates will be better prepared to represent clients, advise businesses, and shape legal policies that govern emerging technologies.
A Broader Commitment to Legal Innovation
The AI & Law concentration joins Emory Law’s existing academic tracks, including concentrations in Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Criminal Litigation, Health Law, and Law and Religion, as well as two certificate programs in Transactional Law and Skills and Technological Innovation.
This expansion underscores Emory Law’s broader commitment to legal innovation. By offering a range of specialized tracks, the school is ensuring that its students are prepared for diverse career paths while also addressing the unique challenges posed by technological advancement.
Conclusion
The launch of the Artificial Intelligence and Law concentration at Emory University School of Law represents a significant step in preparing future lawyers for the complexities of an AI-driven world. By combining legal education with interdisciplinary expertise, the program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and law.
As AI continues to reshape industries and regulatory frameworks, graduates who complete this concentration will be well-positioned to lead in fields where legal and technological literacy are essential. Readers should watch for updates on how other law schools are responding to this trend, as well as developments in AI regulation and policy that could further shape the future of legal education and practice.
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