NEWS
Feature Column
- Publish Date:2025-01-22
The Age of Generative AI: Legal Education Transformation and Risk Awareness

Translated by Szu-Yung Huang
Edited by Chance Lai
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Edited by Chance Lai
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In 2022, the launch of ChatGPT sparked a global frenzy, driving various industries to explore the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI). However, in the field of law, the application of generative AI has revealed a unique set of challenges—balancing accuracy, ethical responsibility, and professional judgment.
In September 2023, the School of Law at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) introduced a course titled “AI-Assisted Legal Writing: Techniques, Strategies, and Tools,” focusing on integrating AI into legal practices. This initiative aims to equip students with the skills to responsibly leverage generative AI while preserving the school’s leadership in the intersection of law and technology.
Precision Training: From Legal Fundamentals to Prompt Engineering
The course, led by Associate Professor Mark L. Shope, initially aimed to teach students how to draft legal documents using AI. As ChatGPT evolved, the curriculum shifted to emphasize prompt engineering, instructing students on designing and refining inputs to better align AI outputs with legal requirements.
In September 2023, the School of Law at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) introduced a course titled “AI-Assisted Legal Writing: Techniques, Strategies, and Tools,” focusing on integrating AI into legal practices. This initiative aims to equip students with the skills to responsibly leverage generative AI while preserving the school’s leadership in the intersection of law and technology.
Precision Training: From Legal Fundamentals to Prompt Engineering
The course, led by Associate Professor Mark L. Shope, initially aimed to teach students how to draft legal documents using AI. As ChatGPT evolved, the curriculum shifted to emphasize prompt engineering, instructing students on designing and refining inputs to better align AI outputs with legal requirements.

However, the potential of generative AI comes with inherent risks. For instance, AI tools frequently exhibit “hallucinations,” generating content that appears credible but is factually incorrect. Professor Shope underscores that students must remain critical of AI-generated information, especially in legal research or formal document drafting. Notably, cases in the United States have already seen attorneys facing ethical sanctions for submitting legal briefs containing fictitious citations produced by ChatGPT.
The Importance of Verification: AI Cannot Replace Professional Expertise
Generative AI’s low-risk applications are limited to tasks like grammar correction and structural refinement. Yet, in legal research and analysis, the risks escalate due to the dynamic nature of law and the potential for outdated data in AI databases. To mitigate this, Professor Shope mandates that students become proficient in using professional legal databases and develop habits of verifying cited sources, ensuring they understand AI’s limitations and its potential for error.

Verification is not merely about confirming the accuracy of AI-generated content; it is about cultivating critical thinking and independent judgment. While generative AI might produce “70-percent solutions,” students who settle for this level risk stalling their professional growth. Conversely, treating AI as an assistive tool and rigorously examining its output allows students to build a robust foundation while accelerating their development.
AI Replaces Tools, Not Judgment
According to projections by Goldman Sachs, approximately 40% of routine legal tasks could be automated by AI, primarily involving document preparation and basic administrative work. Professor Shope reminds students that AI is a tool, not an ultimate answer. While AI can enhance efficiency, true value lies in the integration of professional expertise and sound judgment.
Although the wave of generative AI is reshaping industries worldwide, it is not a panacea for the legal field. For legal professionals, responsibly utilizing these tools while honing their judgment will be the cornerstone of future career development.
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