In an age where acquiring certificates has become as commonplace as scrolling through social media, a pertinent question arises for legal professionals: Is an AI certification essential for lawyers?
The debate surrounding education versus practical application in the legal profession is not new. However, the rapid advancement of technology, especially in AI, cybersecurity, and privacy, brings a renewed focus to this discussion.
The Case For AI Certification
The proponents of AI certification argue that the legal profession cannot remain insulated from technological advancements. With AI increasingly becoming a part of daily life, its implications for privacy, security, intellectual property, and even for criminal law are profound.
An AI certification for lawyers could serve as a testament to their understanding of these complex intersections between technology and law. It could help legal professionals advise clients more effectively, navigate through AI-related legal challenges, and even leverage AI tools for litigation and contract analysis.
Moreover, specialized certifications can set a lawyer apart in a competitive market. They signal to potential employers or clients that the lawyer possesses up-to-date knowledge and a proactive approach to learning and adapting. In sectors like tech startups, fintech, and cybersecurity, where AI plays a critical role, having legal advisors who understand the technology could be invaluable.
The Critique: Is More Learning Less Doing?
Critics, however, argue that the obsession with certifications might lead to a paradox where more learning equates to less doing. Drawing from the insights shared in the discourse on the drawbacks of excessive certification, there’s a growing concern that the pursuit of endless qualifications could become a loop. This loop ensnares professionals in a perpetual state of preparation, delaying their direct engagement with the real-world challenges and opportunities that define their careers.
The critique is not against learning per se but against a linear and traditional approach to education that prioritizes credentials over practical experience and application. The argument is that in the fast-evolving field of AI, hands-on experience, adaptability, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios are far more valuable than a certificate. After all, AI itself is about innovation, experimentation, and learning by doing.
There’s also a financial and temporal aspect to consider. Certifications can be expensive and time-consuming, potentially diverting resources from more productive investments like building a portfolio, networking, or even starting a tech-driven legal initiative.
Bridging The Gap: Strategic Learning and Application
Perhaps the resolution doesn’t lie at the extremes but in a balanced approach. Lawyers don’t necessarily need an AI certification to excel in their profession, but they do need a foundational understanding of how technology affects the law. Strategic learning — where education is closely aligned with career goals and is immediately applied in practice — could be the way forward.
This approach entails being selective about learning opportunities, focusing on those that offer practical skills and insights directly applicable to work. It also means applying what’s learned in real-world settings as soon as possible, whether through pro bono projects, tech-based legal solutions, or innovative service offerings. Such an approach ensures that learning leads to tangible outcomes, keeping professionals relevant and ahead of the curve.
So, The Middle Path, Maybe?
In the debate on whether lawyers need AI certification, the answer may well be personal and contextual. The classic “it depends” may be the answer. For example, it may depend on the individual’s career path, area of specialization, and how they intend to apply their knowledge of AI in their legal practice. While certifications can play a role in professional development, they are not the be-all and end-all.
As the legal community navigates the complexities of a technology-driven world, the focus should be on continuous, strategic learning and the practical application of knowledge. In doing so, legal professionals can ensure they remain effective, relevant, and prepared to tackle the challenges and opportunities that AI presents in the legal domain.
Olga V. Mack is a Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, and a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT. Olga embraces legal innovation and had dedicated her career to improving and shaping the future of law. She is convinced that the legal profession will emerge even stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive than before by embracing technology. Olga is also an award-winning general counsel, operations professional, startup advisor, public speaker, adjunct professor, and entrepreneur. She authored Get on Board: Earning Your Ticket to a Corporate Board Seat, Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security, and Blockchain Value: Transforming Business Models, Society, and Communities. She is working on three books: Visual IQ for Lawyers (ABA 2024), The Rise of Product Lawyers: An Analytical Framework to Systematically Advise Your Clients Throughout the Product Lifecycle (Globe Law and Business 2024), and Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data (Globe Law and Business 2024). You can follow Olga on LinkedIn and Twitter @olgavmack.
