Effective Summer 2026, Berkeley Law will prohibit the use of AI in classes by default. The policy states that future lawyers may need AI fluency, but the current technology requires coupling with cognitive skills to strategically deploy it, critically assess output, and uphold ethical obligations. Thinking remains the sine qua non of good lawyering and quality legal education.

The rule forbids AI for conceptualizing, outlining, drafting, revising, translating, or editing any work submitted for credit, and for any purpose in exams. Prohibited activities include asking AI to brainstorm topics, propose structures, compose paragraphs, identify repetitive passages, polish grammar, generate exam outlines, or translate papers. Students may not upload course materials into generative AI systems.

AI can be used for research only to identify sources such as cases, statutes, or secondary sources; students remain responsible for accuracy. Citations to non-existent sources raise a presumption of prohibited AI use. Instructors may deviate from the default rule in writing with notice and require disclosure of authorized AI use. Students must seek written clarification before any questionable AI use.