Law students taught me what institutions are missing about AI
Working with summer interns revealed that the next generation treats AI as another developing tool, not an existential threat.
Two summers of working with law student interns completely shifted my understanding of how emerging lawyers view AI. I assumed they'd be concerned about technology threatening their career prospects. Instead, they approached AI with the same practical mindset they bring to any other tool in development—recognizing both potential and limitations while focusing on strategic usage.
Working at the edge of AI development in agreement technology might have given these students a unique perspective on seeing capabilities and constraints up close. But their comfort level suggests something broader: a generational difference where technology represents opportunity to master rather than a threat to manage. Their questions weren't about whether AI would replace them, but about how to use it most effectively.
Michigan Law's application requirement reflects exactly this mindset. Requiring students to use AI to discuss AI usage acknowledges that tool literacy is becoming foundational, not optional. The school is testing whether applicants can engage with AI strategically—evaluating output, making intentional choices about usage, and maintaining critical judgment throughout the process.
The institutional contrast has been striking to observe. While law schools debate AI policies and worry about academic integrity, students are already developing sophisticated approaches to tool integration. They understand when AI adds value and when human analysis is essential. They're building judgment about appropriate usage contexts without waiting for institutional permission or guidance.
This suggests that legal education should align with emerging lawyer expectations rather than accommodate senior lawyer anxieties. Students aren't seeking protection from AI—they're seeking preparation for strategic engagement with tools that will define their careers. Michigan Law's approach provides structured learning rather than defensive management.
The broader lesson applies beyond law schools. Legal institutions that embrace strategic AI integration will attract and develop talent prepared for modern practice. Those who continue treating AI as a threat will find themselves training lawyers for a profession that no longer exists.
Chris Williams
