Legal experts understand that the industry continuously evolves. Training career-ready attorneys requires innovative teaching methods, like using artificial intelligence (AI) to train candidates. Integrating AI with standard legal education courses in South Africa or abroad could revolutionise training practises. Graduates will enter the workforce with the practical skills and tailored experience necessary to excel in their chosen field.
Benefits of Learning Alongside AI
Conventional legal training methods include options like clerkships and training courses. AI could be an effective way to advance a student’s education because simulations replicate real-world legal scenarios. Candidate attorneys may improve their practical skills by creating simulations with targeted goals, such as:
- Candidates can work on specific skills, like negotiation tactics, with advanced students.
- People who must practise courtroom etiquette can do that without fear of making a mistake in front of a judge. If they do not understand how to respond with different honorifics in various courts, they can learn that safely with AI.
- Anyone intimidated by public speaking could practise in simulations, giving them the confidence they need to win cases.
Standardised training may be more effective with AI simulations integrated into classroom materials. Candidate attorneys in South Africa and elsewhere can expand their skill sets with high-quality simulated courtroom interactions based on their future career goals.
Universities Could Embrace AI Too
South African law schools and international legal training programmes can adapt AI simulations for every student’s benefit. Collaborating with tech companies to create AI courses that understand each region’s specific laws will connect educators with the tools students need to excel.
Investing in AI platforms might sound like a leap to those in charge of a university’s budget. The relatively new technology can seem futuristic, but it is likely sticking around. People felt similarly when going online was new, but early investors made triple-digit profits by backing internet companies. AI resources are equally futuristic and worth considering as academic investments.
Law schools with AI tools could also become more welcoming for future candidates. Young minds might appreciate being able to practise simulations before experiencing real-world courtroom scenarios, guiding their decision to attend one law school over another. Students will gain the skills they need to succeed in a South African legal profession or their desired attorney career elsewhere.
How AI Simulations Train Candidates
Law students can learn from their virtual lessons in numerous ways. AI simulations can be easily tailored to each person’s interests and academic standing.
Students Tailor Their Lessons
Law students waiting for clerkship opportunities must wait to practise. They only learn from the cases that come across their desks, which can limit their legal exposure. AI programs easily provide specific simulations.
If a candidate attorney wants to learn how to argue in court about a specific topic or conduct negotiations, they can create an AI simulation to run through that scenario. Each attempt addresses the gaps between their practical application and theoretical knowledge, helping every student enter the workforce with more confidence. The extra practise reduces student dropout rates while teaching students how to implement their textbook knowledge.
Everyone Practises Without Risk
Everyone makes mistakes in their careers. People practising law in South Africa and elsewhere face significant ramifications when they make a mistake on behalf of themselves or their clients. Candidate attorneys can practise their skills in AI simulations and make errors without worrying about real-world repercussions.
Law students might enjoy participating in virtual debates, making big decisions and reviewing the consequences before doing that in real life. If the same situation occurs with an actual client, the future attorney would feel confident about their ability to get the best outcome.
AI Programs Provide Feedback
Anyone who finishes an AI simulation gets immediate feedback on their performance. The algorithm notes places where they were great and provides objective feedback on their performance. Students may reflect on their areas of improvement more readily if they come from AI programs instead of professors or friends. AI can also adapt its simulations based on those recommendations so candidate attorneys can target their desired improvement areas.
Attorneys Can Learn More With AI Simulations
Adding AI programs to legal education systems benefits students in numerous ways. If practitioners in South Africa and other places use AI simulations, candidate attorneys can refine their skills in personalised ways. The opportunities for growth and skill refinement are worth exploring for anyone interested in a successful legal profession.
Devin Partida is the Editor-in-Chief of ReHack.com, and a freelance writer. Though she is interested in all kinds of technology topics, she has steadily increased her knowledge of niches such as legal tech, BizTech, FinTech, and cybersecurity.
