The University of Chicago Law School will ban first-year law students from using phones, laptops, and tablets in class beginning fall 2026 to curb overreliance on artificial intelligence during initial legal training [1, 2, 3]. Instead, students will take notes using pen and paper, and some classes may designate "classroom scribes" for note-taking support [2, 3].

The policy aims to encourage critical thinking and independent problem-solving skills without reliance on AI tools early in their education [1, 2, 3]. University administrators emphasized the need to ensure students "learn to think critically, strategically, and independently without relying on AI" while acknowledging AI's widespread availability [3].

Dean Adam Chilton said, "We need to make sure that the students are learning to think for themselves. We can't just naively try to pretend that you can turn off AI or that students won't use it or they don't need to know it" [1]. He added, "At the same time, we want to produce graduates that can go into the world knowing how to use new technology in the most efficient way possible" [2].

Though devices will be restricted in first-year classes, professors may allow limited use for certain tech-enabled activities, such as in-class polling [3]. The school plans to expand AI-focused coursework and provide access to specialized legal AI tools like Harvey and Legora to prepare students for modern legal practice [1].

Students are prohibited from using AI to write their legal research papers but may employ it as a tool. Oral defenses will be required for major papers to ensure original work [1, 3].

The policy was created after a year of consultations with students, faculty, law firms, and legal technology executives to balance independent learning with technological proficiency [3]. Similar AI policies, including disclosure and acceptable use frameworks, have been adopted by Chicago Public Schools and other Illinois educational institutions [2].

The University of Chicago Law School’s ban on electronic devices for first-year students will take effect in fall 2026, marking a significant step as law schools grapple with AI’s role in legal education [1, 2, 3].