Notre Dame Law School Becomes First Law School to Partner with Harvey AI to Integrate Artificial Intelligence into Legal Education

The legal profession is in the midst of a profound transformation, driven by the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence. For aspiring lawyers, the question isn't whether AI will be part of their practice, but how deeply. The challenge for legal education is clear: how do we equip the next generation to navigate, and indeed lead, in this AI-powered landscape?

Shaping the Future: Notre Dame Law School's AI Initiative

Notre Dame Law School is directly addressing this challenge by becoming the first law school to partner with Harvey AI, an industry-leading generative AI platform embraced by a significant majority of top AmLaw firms. This collaboration isn't merely about introducing a new tool; it's about fundamentally preparing students for the future of legal practice, ensuring they gain a critical competitive advantage from day one.

The Imperative for Practical Expertise

The legal market's increasing reliance on AI means that firms and organizations will soon expect, if not demand, expertise in these technologies. Dean G. Marcus Cole underscores this, stating, "Law firms and organizations will expect expertise in the use of AI, so it is incumbent upon us to prepare our students to utilize it effectively and ethically." This proactive step ensures Notre Dame graduates are not just aware of AI, but proficient in its ethical and effective application.

Integrating AI into Core Legal Education

The integration began swiftly. In Fall 2024, Notre Dame Law librarians received comprehensive training on the Harvey platform. By Spring 2025, access was extended to students in advanced legal research courses, specifically "Law Practice Technology" and "Online Legal Research." This hands-on exposure is crucial for developing practical skills.

Real-World Benefits, Immediate Impact

Students engaged with Harvey enthusiastically. Professor Susan Azyndar noted their observations: Harvey delivered "structured and thorough" results, offered a "flexible, conversational" interface, and proved exceptionally efficient in distilling complex information. It helped them surface key points quickly and supported deeper, more thoughtful analysis—skills paramount for any legal professional.

Associate Dean Thomas Mills emphasizes the responsibility of law schools to prepare students for an AI-enhanced practice, stating this partnership is "the first step in exposing students to AI in legal practice." This foundational experience ensures graduates are well-versed in current applications and ready for future innovations.

A Competitive Edge for Future Legal Leaders

With over half of Notre Dame Law graduates annually joining leading law firms, this partnership directly aligns with their career trajectories. It ensures they step into their roles not just with theoretical knowledge, but with practical, sought-after skills in a technology-driven profession. Harvey’s Chief Business Officer, John Haddock, affirms, “Law schools like Notre Dame fundamentally shape the future of the legal industry. We are thrilled to join the University in investing in their students as they remain at the forefront of legal innovation.”

The legal landscape is evolving, and legal education must evolve with it. By integrating cutting-edge AI tools like Harvey, Notre Dame Law School is not just adapting; it is leading, fostering a generation of legal professionals ready to innovate, solve complex problems, and excel in the modern practice of law. Are you ready to be part of this future?