In April, the State Bar of California sparked controversy when it was revealed that some multiple-choice questions from this year’s bar exam were developed using artificial intelligence (AI). After months of complaints from exam takers who described the questions as “bizarrely worded or legally unsound,” the licensing board admitted that a vendor had used AI to draft some questions for the exam. “Having the questions drafted by non-lawyers using artificial intelligence is just unbelievable,” one legal expert told the Los Angeles Times.
California is not the only state where legal professionals are grappling with how to integrate AI tools responsibly while upholding professional and ethical responsibilities. In New York, a 74-year-old plaintiff representing himself in an appeals court used an AI-generated avatar to deliver his pre-recorded argument without disclosing it wasn't real, forcing Justice Sallie Manzanet-Daniels to halt proceedings when the deception was discovered. The plaintiff later explained he created the avatar because he gets nervous speaking in court. And in Arizona, a judge allowed the family of a man fatality shot in a road rage incident to present an AI-generated video of the victim addressed to his killer during the perpetrator's sentencing hearing. Both incidents raise questions about the appropriate boundaries for AI use in legal proceedings.
AI is also changing the skills needed to effectively practice law. In a recent survey of law firm leaders, three-quarters of respondents said that lawyers' skills will need to transform in response to changing client expectations as AI advances, highlighting the growing importance of technical knowledge as a complement to traditional legal expertise in today's technology-driven legal landscape.
As AI continues to transform our justice system and change how we govern, public sector legal professionals are increasingly being called upon to understand, evaluate the implications of, and engage with Generative AI technologies. Yet, most attorneys and legal support staff in the public sector have received little guidance on how to protect sensitive data when dealing with AI systems and how to address emerging challenges like deepfakes and algorithmic bias. There is an urgent need for training that will equip public sector legal professionals to effectively harness these powerful technologies while ensuring that the unique ethical, professional, and societal responsibilities of the legal profession are upheld.
Upskilling Public Sector Legal Professionals To Meet the Present Moment
In response to this growing need, InnovateUS has developed “Responsible AI for Public Sector Legal Professionals,” two comprehensive yet accessible free courses to empower public sector legal teams. The courses provide foundational knowledge of GenAI systems, practical usage in legal contexts, how to protect sensitive information when using AI tools, risks and how to mitigate them, and the key questions that need to be asked to ensure GenAI is used responsibly.
For Public Servants, By Public Servants
The two courses are designed to equip learners with practical knowledge about how AI can be used in their everyday work as well as the background knowledge needed to effectively advise on regulatory topics, acceptable use policies, and other legislative and policy considerations when it comes to AI.
We co-created the curriculum and instructional materials together with an advisory group of two dozen senior leaders in legal and technical roles from state agencies across the country. Their input shaped the curriculum, ensuring it reflects real-world challenges and practical considerations.
Curriculum: Practical Training for Using and Implementing AI Tools
Part 1: “Using Generative AI: Everyday Tools and Best Practices” is designed to enable safe and responsible use of GenAI in your day-to-day work. Through hands-on demonstrations with a wide variety of the latest GenAI platforms, learners will develop the skills needed to responsibly use GenAI to do a wide array of legal tasks such as:
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Drafting clearer documents
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Summarizing lengthy opinions, regulations and articles
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Analyzing public comments on proposed regulations
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Brainstorming new strategies for outreach and enforcement
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Making legal information more accessible in multiple languages
Learners will come away with practical know-how for:
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Understanding what GenAI is and why it matters for public sector legal practice
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Identifying 10 specific tasks where AI truly shines for legal professionals
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Mastering effective prompt engineering techniques for better results
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Addressing critical risks like data privacy, hallucinations, and bias
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Making your legal services more conversational, accessible, and responsive
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How to safely experiment with AI tools while ensuring ethical and legal obligations are upheld
Part 2: "Designing AI: Policy, Projects, and Societal Impact" teaches learners about the organizational, policy, and societal considerations of implementing AI systems. Through real-world case studies and practical frameworks, you will learn how to:
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Maintain confidentiality and compliance with information security standards while still leveraging AI's capabilities
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Create custom AI tools tailored to your office's specific needs
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Build AI solutions that enhance rather than replace professional judgment
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Address emerging societal and regulatory challenges
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Develop comprehensive data governance policies that protect sensitive information
Learners will come away with practical knowledge for:
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Implementing data segregation and "walled gardens" to safeguard confidential information
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Creating specialized knowledge systems using commercially available tools
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Partnering with universities and using open source solutions to build innovative tools
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Creating responsible AI governance policies that enable innovation while maintaining public trust
Learners can take the course, which consists of short videos, on a computer or smartphone. Each part should take about an hour to complete. Learners will receive a certificate upon completion.
Both courses reflect InnovateUS’s commitment to equity, accessibility, and the responsible deployment of technology in the public sector.
Who Should Take This Course?
The course is designed for both lawyers and legal support staff at all levels working in government offices. The curriculum is tailor made for learners in roles such as:
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Attorneys in Government Agencies: Those who advise on technology procurement, civil rights, public safety, and data governance.
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Attorneys General Office Staff: Lawyers and legal support staff working on consumer protection, civil rights enforcement, or oversight of emerging technologies.
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Legal Advisors in Municipal or State Government: Including those who review contracts, draft regulations, or advise policymakers.
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Policymakers and Legislative Counsel: Who need a working understanding of AI risks and legal implications.
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Public Sector Compliance Officers and Risk Managers: Who are increasingly responsible for AI oversight.
CLE Credit Opportunities
Are you a leader interested in offering these courses to your team for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit? Partner with us to add live modules that fulfill your state’s requirements. Email [email protected]
What’s Next?
Part 1 of the course will launch in early summer 2025. Click here and enter your email to receive updates about the course launch.
