Queen's University pioneers unique AI and Law 'Microcredential' course
Queen's Law is offering classes on the intersection of artificial intelligence and the field of Law. The next one starts soon!
From Dec 9-13, Queen's is running The AI and Law Certificate program. And as early as 2025, a microcredentia' program will be offered on this subject as well, as masters classes.
According to Queen's Law Dean Colleen M. Flood, the first pilot program held in May was a big success, with enthusiastic responses emanating from all who attended “It shows the immense value of providing professionals with practical knowledge and skills in an evolving society and marketplace – and underscores our Faculty’s ability to provide the unrivalled expertise of top legal scholars.”
Program administrators are in the process of building out this new curriculum. While the courses deal with the law, they are open to law students as well as non-legal participants.
In May 2024, Queen's held its first virtual program. Titled "Artificial Intelligence and Law Certificate," the course focused on the global reach of AI, the governance of its usage, as well as legal compliance. Approximately 30 participants were enrolled in that program, most of whom were legal practitioners. These practitioners also earned Continuous Professional Development through their attendance in the course. And upon completion of the course, they obtained a Queen's Law AI and Law certification.
(Original Article from Queens' Law)
The original course consisted of Queen's Law experts on law, including:
1. Colleen M. Flood, Dean
2. Bita Mani, Professor
3. Samuel Dahan
4. Erica Friesen
Other experts included:
5. Professor Teresa Scassa, U of O
The program was well received, according to the Queen's Law news release. One participant, Erin Spicer-Bowland, said the course was composed of experts who are actively involved on informing regulators on data security and the use of AI in the future. Spicer-Bowland is the paralegal program co-ordinator at Loyalist College.
"Some are even creating the software products that will change the daily practice of law. Their unique insights added incredible value to the learning experience," said Spicer Bowland.
Many companies, including uLawPractice, are touting new AI products to assist with the day-to-day activities encountered by a law firm. One of the benefits of this course is that it gives students the ability to better evaluate tools before making the decision to begin using them.
While this may be a subject of interest for lawyers and legal practitioners, the school designed the course to be broad enough for professionals from all backgrounds, and applicable to a wide array of work sectors. Some participants of the 2024 pilot program were from government sector, financial services, media, engineering and technology. Students were given the opportunity to interact with one another about the content as well.
The school is still in the process of fine-tuning future iterations of its AI and Law Certificate, and the 2025 programming will be unveiled in the next year.