UC BERKELEY LAW BANS AI FROM GRADED WORK

The restriction reflects a strategic decision by one of the world's top law schools: students must develop independent legal thinking before deploying AI as a professional tool. The comprehensive ban eliminates AI from core academic work where lawyers traditionally develop foundational skills. Outlining and drafting exercises—fundamental to legal training—will remain AI-free zones. Proofreading assistance is also prohibited. Research applications represent the sole exception, allowing limited AI use for information gathering and analysis. The school's position challenges the broader tech industry's push toward immediate AI integration in education. Berkeley's approach prioritizes skill development over efficiency, arguing that lawyers need to master core competencies without algorithmic assistance before they can responsibly leverage AI in practice. The policy takes effect in summer 2026, giving current students time to adapt while signaling Berkeley's stance on AI's role in legal education.