Berkeley Law launches first AI law certificate for LL.M. students

A new standard for legal education

Berkeley Law has launched the LL.M. Certificate in AI Law and Regulation, a specialized program designed for the executive track of its Master of Laws degree. This initiative serves as the first program of its kind at an American law school, specifically targeting lawyers who need to stay current in a rapidly evolving sector. As machine learning technologies begin to reshape the legal landscape, the school aims to provide a flexible way for practitioners to update their skills.

The program began in the summer of 2025 and has already drawn interest from a diverse international audience. Students from more than 40 countries are enrolling, though there is a growing trend of domestic law firm attorneys seeking out the curriculum. These professionals are looking to acclimate to the many ways that artificial intelligence is currently impacting the daily operations of the legal profession.

The curriculum is built upon the foundation of Berkeley Law’s established law and technology program. It offers a mix of remote study options and on-campus components, allowing busy professionals to balance their current careers with advanced education. The school emphasizes that while AI is a transformative tool, the goal is to teach students how to employ these tools to their greatest advantage.

Technical fluency meets regulation

A core component of the certificate is the balance between understanding how AI systems actually function and how they should be governed. Students do not just study the laws; they learn the underlying technology to understand where it adds value and where it might fail. This includes exploring how models can mislead, how they might replace human judgment, and the specific ways they can be aligned with human values.

The coursework covers a wide range of specific topics, including privacy regimes and sector-specific laws for health, financial, and children’s data. Students also examine frontier model laws and major international frameworks like the European Union AI Act. By learning the mechanics of the technology, students can better conceptualize whether a system is neutral, biased, or capable of causing harm.

Practical exercises help students visualize these challenges in real-world settings. For example, the program involves testing algorithmic risk assessment tools, which are currently used in U.S. courtrooms to inform bail and sentencing decisions. Students then debate the technical due process required for such tools. This approach ensures that graduates can ask the right questions of AI systems rather than just reacting to them.

Diverse career applications

The program is designed to be applicable across various sectors of the legal world, including private firms, in-house roles, and government positions. For instance, some graduates have used the knowledge to create new roles at major tech companies like Microsoft, focusing on the infrastructure that powers AI across different regions. Others have pivoted into roles as product subject matter experts for AI-powered contract management platforms.

The certificate also provides students with access to a leading AI policy ecosystem and the broader regulatory conversations in Silicon Valley. This connection to the heart of the technology industry is described as invaluable for both substantive learning and networking. Students interact with a diverse group of experienced professionals who bring different domain expertise to the classroom.

The goal of the education is to ensure that lawyers remain relevant as the profession undergoes a significant transformation. The school suggests that while AI may not replace lawyers, the lawyers who know how to use AI will likely take over the roles of those who do not. By providing a global perspective, the program helps students understand how different regulatory regimes across the world are reacting to the same technology.

Future curriculum and opportunities

The curriculum is designed to be dynamic, with new courses being added annually to keep pace with technological shifts. For the summer of 2027, the program will introduce a new class on litigating with AI. This course is specifically intended to help students navigate how artificial intelligence is changing the way civil and criminal adjudication works in the justice system.

In addition to formal coursework, the program offers an annual lecture series focused on the day-to-day use of generative AI in legal practice. These sessions often feature guest speakers and resident experts who provide projections for the future of technology and law. These experts help students anticipate upcoming shifts in public regulation, private transactions, and legal technology.

Prospective students can apply for the summer 2027 cohort through various deadlines depending on their preferred track. Those seeking priority scholarship consideration should submit their applications by November 16. The program continues to position itself as a critical resource for U.S. JDs who need to understand the complex intersection of American law and emerging technologies.