Artificial intelligence has officially entered the legal mainstream. From smart contract review to AI-driven legal research, technology is reshaping how attorneys work.
Data shows that 79% of law firms had adopted AI tools in some form, a massive jump from the year before. For legal professionals, this rapid change means one thing: upskilling. The demand is surging for lawyers proficient in AI and legal tech.
Fortunately, there are now many AI courses tailored for lawyers – ranging from university programs to online certifications.
This article highlights the top artificial intelligence courses for lawyers in 2025, and offers guidance on choosing the right program.
Whether you’re a seasoned attorney or a law student, learning AI is one of the smartest career moves you can make in today’s legal landscape.
Why Lawyers Need AI Education in 2025
In 2025, artificial intelligence in law is not just a buzzword – it’s become a daily reality in legal practice. Lawyers who understand AI can leverage tools that dramatically improve efficiency and outcomes.
For instance, machine learning algorithms can sift through discovery documents faster than any human, and predictive analytics can forecast litigation risks or judge tendencies.
Embracing AI can make you a more strategic, informed lawyer. On the flip side, without AI know-how, you risk falling behind. Clients are pushing for innovation, and firms are keen on hires who can navigate legal tech confidently.
Moreover, ethical and legal issues around AI (like bias in algorithms or data privacy) mean lawyers must be conversant with the technology to advise clients and ensure compliance.
An AI course for lawyers equips you with this crucial knowledge – typically covering how AI tools work, their legal applications, and associated considerations like ethics.
The return on investment is clear: you’ll improve your practice efficiency and open doors to roles in legal tech, compliance, or consulting.
AI education has shifted from “nice-to-have” to “need-to-have” for legal professionals aiming to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
Key Topics to Look for in AI Courses for Legal Professionals
Not all AI courses are created equal, especially for a legal audience. When evaluating AI law courses online or in-person, ensure they cover a blend of technology and legal-specific content.
First, a strong foundation in AI basics is essential – this includes understanding machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and possibly emerging areas like generative AI (e.g., GPT-based tools). Lawyers don’t need to become programmers, but you should grasp how algorithms learn and make decisions.
Next, look for courses with legal case studies or use cases. The best programs illustrate AI concepts through legal scenarios: think AI-assisted contract review, predictive analytics for case outcomes, or automating legal research.
Refonte Learning’s Jurimetric & AI Program excel here. This course intertwines legal analysis with AI techniques (covering topics like predictive modeling and legal automation).
Additionally, it addresses ethical and regulatory aspects of AI in law. For example, you’ll want to learn about bias in AI outputs, confidentiality concerns when using cloud AI services, and the emerging regulations around AI (some jurisdictions are already crafting laws for AI use).
Finally, practical skills are key – courses that offer hands-on labs or projects (perhaps using AI tools on real legal documents) can greatly enhance your learning. By covering these topics – AI fundamentals, legal applications, ethics, and practical exercises – a course ensures you’re not just learning theory, but also how to directly apply AI in your legal work.
Top AI Courses and Programs for Lawyers in 2025
As the intersection of law and technology grows, so do the educational options. Here are some of the top AI training programs for lawyers in 2025:
Refonte Learning Jurimetric & AI Program
Refonte Learning offers a standout online program blending AI and legal analytics. Designed as a training-and-internship course, it covers everything from legal data science to AI ethics.
Lawyers or law students learn to build predictive models for case outcomes, automate document analysis, and more – all with guidance from mentors experienced in legal tech.
The program is practical and up-to-date, making it a top choice for those who want a comprehensive introduction to AI in law.
Bonus: Refonte also has a Data Analytics program that can complement legal tech skills with broader analytics techniques.)
Coursera – AI for Lawyers Specialization (University of Michigan)
This is a popular online AI course for lawyers. Hosted on Coursera and developed by University of Michigan experts, the “AI for Lawyers and Other Advocates” specialization consists of several short courses.
It introduces AI tools and concepts in plain language and shows how they can assist in tasks like legal writing, research, and even improving time management.
Participants get to practice with generative AI (like using a chatbot to draft a memo) and earn a certificate upon completion. It’s beginner-friendly – no coding required – and focuses on practical skills relevant to everyday legal work.
Berkeley Law – Generative AI for the Legal Profession
UC Berkeley’s law school launched a cutting-edge online course in early 2025 focused specifically on generative AI in law.
Aimed at all legal professionals (not just attorneys, but also paralegals and legal ops), it’s a self-paced crash course covering how deep learning models like GPT work and how to integrate them responsibly into practice.
Topics include drafting with AI, prompt engineering for lawyers, and managing risks like AI “hallucinations” or confidentiality breaches. Led by a seasoned chief legal officer with AI expertise, the program stands out for its mix of technical insight and ethical guidance.
It’s a short course (several weeks) but provides a solid foundation in the most talked-about AI tech of the moment.
University Law School Programs
Top universities are bringing AI into their legal curricula. Courses or certificate programs from institutions like Stanford Law and Harvard Law are highly respected.
Stanford’s Legal Technology program, for example, covers e-discovery, data analytics, and AI applications in law. Harvard’s Program on Legal Technology and Innovation similarly delves into AI, blockchain, and data analytics for lawyers.
These university-backed offerings often provide a broader context (legal innovation generally, with AI as a component) and are great for those who want an academic credential. They tend to involve a higher time commitment and cost, but the networking and prestige can be valuable.
Professional CLE and Workshops
Don’t overlook continuing legal education (CLE) seminars and workshops on AI. Organizations like the Practising Law Institute (PLI) and bar associations now host annual courses on artificial intelligence in law pr.
For instance, there are on-demand CLE programs that introduce AI tools for lawyers or dive into evolving AI law (covering recent regulations and case law involving AI). These courses might not be as in-depth as a multi-week program, but they’re often updated yearly – perfect for staying current on the latest developments (e.g., the impact of AI on intellectual property law, or new ethics opinions on using AI).
If you’re a practicing attorney, CLE courses can kill two birds with one stone: meeting your credit requirements while boosting your tech skills.
Each of these options caters to different needs. And don’t forget your state bar association – many are offering webinars on topics like how to use AI for legal research or the ethics of AI. All of these can be done remotely.
It comes down to your preference: if you want a self-paced experience with a completion certificate, Coursera or Refonte Learning might be ideal. If you prefer something more academic and networking-oriented, a university law course could be the way to go.
The best artificial intelligence course for legal professionals will depend on your schedule, budget, and how deep you want to dive into technical details.
The good news is that with so many quality programs available, it’s never been easier for lawyers to get educated in AI.
Tips for Choosing the Right AI Course as a Lawyer
With an abundance of courses, selecting the one that fits you can be daunting. Here are some tips to help you choose wisely and make the most of it:
Match the Course to Your Goals: Are you looking to generally understand AI concepts, or do you want hands-on skills to implement at work? For a broad overview, a short online course or CLE might suffice. If you aim to pivot your career towards legal tech or become a point-person for AI at your firm, consider a more intensive program (like a certificate from Refonte Learning or a university). Define what you want (e.g. “I want to automate parts of my practice” vs. “I want to qualify for legal tech roles”) and pick accordingly.
Consider Your Background: If you have zero tech experience, choose a course designed for beginners in tech. Many AI courses for lawyers assume no coding background and focus on concepts and usage – these are ideal if you’re not tech-savvy. On the other hand, if you have some programming or data experience, you might appreciate a course that digs deeper into how to build or customize AI tools (perhaps something with a capstone project or more technical content). Ensure the course description aligns with your comfort level.
Look at Peer and Expert Reviews: Since AI-for-law courses are relatively new, peer feedback is gold. See if the program has testimonials or if lawyers in your network have taken it. A course that’s highly rated for being practical and engaging is likely a good bet. Also check if the instructors have credibility – for example, courses taught by experienced legal tech professionals or professors carry more weight. (Refonte Learning, for instance, touts industry mentors in its programs, which can enrich the learning experience.)
Check for Flexibility and Support: As a busy professional, you may need an asynchronous course or one with flexible pacing. Some programs are self-paced online, while others might have live sessions. Consider your schedule. Additionally, see if the course offers support like discussion forums, mentor feedback, or networking opportunities. The chance to discuss real-world AI-in-law challenges with peers or instructors can greatly enhance learning.
Value Credentials but Focus on Skills: Earning a certificate can be a nice resume booster – especially one from a name-brand institution or Refonte Learning AI program, which is specialized for legal AI. However, the real payoff is in skills. Be sure the course will teach you something actionable (like how to use a specific AI tool, or how to manage an AI project in your firm). In the rapidly evolving world of AI, showing that you can do something (e.g., automate a task with an AI assistant) is often more impressive than just having a certificate on the wall.
By considering these factors, you’ll select a course that not only adds to your credentials but truly empowers you in practice. And remember – learning about AI is an ongoing process.
Even after completing a course, keep experimenting with new tools and stay updated. The legal AI field is moving fast, and your continuous engagement is what will ultimately set you apart.
Actionable Takeaways for Lawyers Pursuing AI Education
Start with Clear Objectives: Identify why you want to learn AI. Is it to automate mundane tasks, improve client service, or shift into a legal tech role? Your “why” will guide you to the right course and keep you motivated through the learning process.
Choose the Right Learning Format: If you need flexibility, opt for online self-paced courses (many top AI law courses are online). If you learn better with structure, consider scheduled webinars or university programs that have weekly classes. Pick a format that you can realistically commit time to, given your workload.
Leverage Refonte Learning and Similar Specialized Programs: Seek out courses tailored to legal professionals. General AI courses are useful, but programs like Refonte Learning’s AI and Jurimetrics course or law school offerings ensure the content is relevant to legal practice. Don’t be afraid to invest in a quality program – it can pay off in saved time and more directly applicable skills.
Apply What You Learn Immediately: After or during any course, put the knowledge into practice. Try out an AI legal research tool on a case you’re working on, or use a document automation trick you learned to draft a contract. Applying skills in real scenarios helps cement your learning and shows colleagues the value of your new expertise.
Stay Curious and Keep Updating: Treat AI learning as continuous. Follow legal tech blogs, join forums (like the ABA Legal Technology section or LinkedIn groups), and maybe enroll in advanced modules down the line. The tech will evolve – for example, today it’s about GPT-4, in a couple of years it might be a new AI paradigm – and continuous learning will keep you at the forefront.
Network and Share Insights: Engage with others who are learning or implementing AI in law. Attend meetups or virtual conferences. By discussing what you’ve learned and hearing others’ experiences, you’ll gain deeper insights and possibly collaborate on projects. Plus, showcasing your AI knowledge in your professional network can lead to new opportunities or initiatives within your firm.
Conclusion: Become a Jurimetric Analyst in 3 Months
For lawyers in 2025, getting educated in artificial intelligence isn’t just about staying relevant – it’s about seizing new opportunities.
The top AI courses for lawyers now available make it easier than ever to acquire this knowledge, whether you prefer a quick online tutorial or an in-depth certification program.
By investing time in the right course, you’ll empower yourself to practice more efficiently, advise clients on cutting-edge matters, and even open doors to innovative career paths in legal tech.
Remember, the goal isn’t to turn attorneys into programmers, but to create lawyers who can smartly leverage AI. As you embark on learning, focus on practical application and ethical use of AI in your legal work.
With these tools and understanding in hand, you’ll be well-prepared to thrive in the evolving landscape where technology and law intersect.
The legal world is changing fast — will you lead or lag behind?
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Frequently Asked Questions About AI & Law
Q1: I’m a busy attorney with no tech background. Can I really learn AI?
A: Absolutely. AI courses for lawyers focus on concepts and practical uses, not complex programming. You won’t need a computer science degree to grasp the material. Many lawyers start with zero coding experience and, through the right course, learn how AI tools work and how to use them. It’s about understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI, not building an algorithm from scratch.
Q2: What are some reputable AI courses for lawyers available online?
A: There are several highly-regarded options. One is the AI for Lawyers specialization on Coursera (offered by University of Michigan), which gives a solid overview of using AI and even generative tools like chatbots in legal work. Another great program is Refonte Learning’s AI and Jurimetrics course – it’s an online training program specifically blending law and AI, with hands-on projects in legal analytics. Additionally, law schools like Berkeley and Stanford have executive or certificate courses. The Practising Law Institute (PLI) has on-demand courses focusing on AI in law practice.
Q3: Will learning AI help my legal career even if I stay in traditional practice?
A: Yes, it can enhance your career in multiple ways. In day-to-day practice, AI skills will make you more efficient – you can automate routine tasks (like document review or contract drafting), which frees up time for complex work. That can improve your performance and client satisfaction. From a career advancement perspective, being the person in your firm who “gets” AI is a big plus. Firms are looking for tech-savvy leaders to champion new tools; showing initiative in this area could put you on the radar for promotion or leadership roles (like heading a legal innovation committee). If you’re in a solo or small practice, AI can give you a competitive edge by enabling you to do more with less. Moreover, as legal services evolve, new hybrid roles are emerging – for example, positions like Legal Tech Attorney or AI Ethics Advisor. Even if you remain a litigator or corporate lawyer, having AI knowledge means you can handle cases involving AI issues. In summary, AI knowledge future-proofs your career and opens doors, even within traditional legal tracks.
Q4: Do these AI courses for lawyers offer any certification or CLE credit?
A: Many do offer a certificate of completion, which you can add to your resume or LinkedIn. For example, completing the Coursera specialization yields a certificate from University of Michigan. Refonte Learning provides certificates and even an internship certificate for its program, which can be a nice credential. University programs often give you a certificate from the law school. As for CLE credit, some courses double as continuing legal education. PLI’s programs, for instance, usually offer CLE credits in many jurisdictions. But even when a course isn’t for CLE, the knowledge gained can indirectly help you fulfill ethics or competence requirements (for example, understanding AI might be seen as part of staying competent with technology, which many bars now require).
Q6: Is there a risk that AI will replace lawyers? How does learning AI help with that?
A: AI is not about to replace lawyers wholesale, but lawyers who use AI can outpace those who don’t. AI excels at specific tasks – like reviewing large documents or spotting patterns – but it lacks the nuanced judgment, advocacy, and interpersonal skills of a human lawyer. What we’re seeing is AI handling the more routine, labor-intensive parts of legal work. This actually enhances a lawyer’s capabilities. By learning AI, you’re essentially upgrading your toolkit. You can get more done in less time and focus on higher-level strategy and client advice. Those who fear being “replaced” should consider that clients will always need human counsel for decision-making, negotiation, and courtroom presence. However, a lawyer who refuses to use available technology might be at a disadvantage. Think of AI as your support team – it won’t argue in court for you, but it might draft a first version of a brief that you refine. By embracing and understanding AI, you ensure that you remain indispensable, steering the technology in service of your clients. In sum, AI won’t replace lawyers, but lawyers who use AI may replace those who don’t. Learning it keeps you valuable and relevant.