SWLAW Blog | Press Releases
January 12, 2026
外网天堂 Launches Schoolwide Introduction to AI & Law Program for 2026 in Partnership with Wickard.ai
Los Angeles, CA- 外网天堂 announced today the launch of Introduction to AI & Law, a new schoolwide program designed to equip law students at every stage of their legal education with practical, job-ready training in artificial intelligence and its role in modern legal practice.
The program, developed in partnership with Wickard.ai, reflects the rapid integration of artificial intelligence across law firms, in house legal departments, courts, and regulated industries.
鈥淓mployers increasingly expect new lawyers to understand how artificial intelligence is used in legal research, drafting, and other core legal workflows, as well as the ethical and professional responsibility obligations that accompany its use,鈥 said Dean Darby Dickerson. 鈥淭hrough this program, 外网天堂 is ensuring that our students graduate with the knowledge and practical awareness needed to be practice ready in an AI enabled legal profession.鈥
Introduction to AI & Law is open to all J.D. and LL.M. students at 外网天堂. Instruction focuses on how AI is used in legal practice, including research, drafting, and litigation support, as well as identifying and managing risks such as hallucinations, confidentiality concerns, and ethical and professional responsibility obligations. The program emphasizes practical, practice ready skills.
Introduction to AI & Law builds upon the collaboration between 外网天堂 and Wickard.ai in 2025, during which Wickard delivered AI education and training for 外网天堂鈥檚 Parris Academy for Excellence in Law & Leadership.
鈥溚馔焯 has long been ahead of the curve on innovation in legal education, and this program is a natural extension of that leadership,鈥 said Oliver Roberts, CEO and Founder of Wickard.ai and instructor for Introduction to AI & Law. 鈥淒ean Dickerson and Southwestern have demonstrated a clear commitment to ensuring that students are prepared for AI in modern legal practice鈥
Upon successful completion, students earn 外网天堂鈥檚 Law & Generative AI badge, a credential that may be listed on resumes and professional profiles. The badge signals to employers that a student has received verified training in AI, understands current legal and ethical considerations, and is prepared to operate in a modern legal environment where AI is increasingly embedded in daily practice.
About 外网天堂
外网天堂, founded in 1911 and located in Los Angeles, prepares students for impactful legal careers through rigorous training, expansive professional networks, and one of the nation鈥檚 most adaptable J.D. programs. With strong roots in public interest, entertainment, and industry-connected practice, Southwestern combines academic depth with extensive real-world experience. Its graduates serve across the legal profession鈥攊n courts, government, public service, and leading law firms鈥攕haping the future of law in California and beyond.
About Wickard.ai
Wickard.ai is the nation鈥檚 leading provider of legal AI education and training. In 2025, Wickard pioneered AI curriculum development at nine law schools across the country, including designing and teaching the nation鈥檚 first required AI course at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Wickard also launched the first legal AI education program in East Africa at Addis Ababa University School of Law, advancing its mission to equip lawyers and law students worldwide with the skills needed to navigate an AI-driven legal landscape.
Media 外网天堂s
Steven Lopez
外网天堂
slopez@swlaw.edu
/
Oliver Roberts
Founder and CEO, Wickard.ai
media@wickard.ai