Introduction to Generative AI in Law

Since the release of ChatGPT on 30 November 2022, generative AI and large language models have introduced new possibilities in legal practice. This course offers an accessible introduction to their capabilities and challenges, helping participants gain foundational knowledge without requiring prior technical experience. It is designed for legal professionals, law students, academics, and technology specialists seeking to understand and apply large language models in legal contexts.

The Dickson Poon School of Law at King’s has partnered with the education platform edX to deliver high-quality learning opportunities for the legal sector. This leading-edge self-study course aims to:

• Introduce core concepts about generative AI and how they are changing the legal landscape.
• Explain foundational principles of large language models in simple, practical terms.
• Engage with ethical issues and real-world challenges faced by legal professionals using AI tools.
• Provide opportunities to experiment with prompt engineering and using AI for legal tasks.
• Build confidence in applying large language models to common legal activities such as research and drafting.

Course format

This is a six-week self-paced course delivered through the edX learning platform. Learners can access the material at their convenience throughout the duration. The course consists of six units, with an estimated time commitment of approximately one hour per unit.

Learners can earn a verified certificate to showcase their skills and knowledge to employers, schools or other institutions.

• Understand Generative AI in Legal Practice: Recognize how large language models can assist with a variety of legal tasks, including research, drafting, and client communication.
• Grasp Basic Technical Concepts: Identify core functions, strengths, and limitations of large language models, such as language generation, pattern recognition, and contextual understanding.
• Critical Evaluation and Risk Assessment: Critically assess the appropriate application of various tools and strategies, with a deep understanding of the associated risks
• Create Effective Prompts: Develop and refine prompts for generating legal content that is useful, relevant, and legally sound.
• Apply AI to Professional Workflows: Use AI tools to enhance your work in research, writing, and analysis across various tasks.
• Stay Informed on Industry Trends: Keep up with current AI trends in law, and think critically about how AI will shape the future of legal practice.

How to apply

This course is set to launch in early autumn. Register your interest now at  ExecEd-Law@kcl.ac.uk  to receive updates on start dates and enrolment. 

 For any questions or to discuss the course’s suitability, contact us, and we’ll connect you with a member of the Programme Team. 

To participate, you will need a computer or laptop and access to the internet.

Frequently asked questions

If you require further information about the course or Executive Education at The Dickson Poon School of Law, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact ExecEd-Law@kcl.ac.uk