CLE for AI Literacy: Why It’s a Must-Have for Lawyers in 2025 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s transforming the legal industry at an unprecedented pace.  

From contract analysis tools to AI-driven legal research platforms, machine learning, and automation are becoming essential in law firms, corporate legal departments, and even the courtroom.  

But with great technological advancement comes a critical responsibility: understanding how AI works, its ethical implications, and how it can (and cannot) be used in legal practice. 

That’s why AI literacy is no longer optional for lawyers—it’s a must-have skill, and CLE (Continuing Legal Education) programs need to reflect this reality.  

Lawyers who fail to keep up with AI risk falling behind their peers, making costly mistakes, and even facing ethical pitfalls that could put their careers in jeopardy. In this blog post, we’ll dive into why CLE for AI literacy is essential in 2025, what key topics should be covered, and how lawyers can proactively build their AI expertise. 

The AI Revolution in Law: Why Lawyers Can’t Ignore It 

Let’s start with the obvious: AI is changing how lawyers work. Tasks that once took hours, like contract review, due diligence, and legal research, can now be automated or enhanced with AI-powered tools. This doesn’t mean AI is replacing lawyers, but it is reshaping legal workflows, making efficiency and adaptability key to staying competitive. 

Some of the biggest shifts AI is bringing to legal practice include: 

• AI-Powered Legal Research – Tools like Lexis+ AI and Westlaw Precision use machine learning to deliver faster, more relevant case law and statutory analysis. 

• Contract Review and Automation – Platforms like Kira Systems and Ironclad use AI to review contracts quickly, spotting risks and inconsistencies in minutes instead of hours. 

• Predictive Analytics – AI-driven litigation prediction tools can assess case outcomes based on past rulings, helping lawyers strategize more effectively. 

• Generative AI for Drafting – Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Harvey AI assist with drafting legal documents, memos, and client communications. 

• E-Discovery and Compliance Monitoring – AI can sift through vast amounts of data in discovery, flagging relevant documents and identifying patterns that might go unnoticed manually. 

With all these advancements, AI literacy isn’t just about knowing what tools exist—it’s about understanding how to use them responsibly, ethically, and strategically. 

AI and Legal Ethics: A Growing CLE Imperative 

One of the biggest reasons AI literacy needs to be a core part of CLE in 2025 is the ethical dimension.  

The ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, particularly Rule 1.1 on Competence, require lawyers to maintain competence in the law and the technology affecting legal practice. This means attorneys must understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, and risks when using it in client matters. 

Some key ethical considerations CLE programs on AI literacy should address include: 

• Bias in AI Algorithms – AI systems can reflect and even amplify biases in the data they’re trained on. Lawyers need to understand this risk when using AI-driven legal research or risk assessment tools. 

• Confidentiality & Data Security – AI tools often require inputting client data. Lawyers must assess vendor security policies and ensure compliance with attorney-client privilege and data privacy laws. 

• AI-Generated Errors & Hallucinations – Generative AI can sometimes “hallucinate” (i.e., produce false or misleading information). If a lawyer relies on AI-generated content without verification, it could lead to serious malpractice risks, not to mention sanctions. 

• Transparency & Explainability – Clients and courts may ask how AI-assisted decisions were made. Lawyers need to be prepared to explain, not just trust, AI-generated insights. 

• Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) Risks – AI tools can assist lawyers but shouldn’t replace human legal judgment. Firms must ensure AI doesn’t cross the line by offering legal advice without human oversight. 

Ethics regulators are already weighing in on these issues, and we can expect further guidance in 2025. Staying ahead of these developments through CLE will be crucial for every practicing attorney. 

What Should AI CLE Courses Cover? 

AI CLE courses should go beyond just the basics of AI—they should offer practical, hands-on learning that helps lawyers integrate AI into their practice responsibly and effectively. Here are the core topics that every AI CLE program should cover: 

1. Understanding AI and Machine Learning Basics 

• What AI is and how it works (key concepts: machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing) 

• Differences between traditional automation and AI-driven legal tech 

• Key AI tools in legal practice 

2. AI in Legal Research and Writing 

• How AI-powered legal research platforms work 

• Best practices for using AI-generated legal writing (and verifying accuracy) 

• Ethical considerations when using AI-generated content in filings and communications 

3. AI in Contract Review and Document Automation 

• How AI speeds up contract analysis and risk assessment 

• The role of AI in contract drafting and negotiation 

• Ensuring accuracy and compliance when using AI for document automation 

4. AI for Litigation Strategy and E-Discovery 

• Predictive analytics and case outcome forecasting 

• AI-assisted e-discovery and document review 

• AI’s impact on litigation strategy and procedural fairness 

5. AI and Legal Ethics 

• Navigating AI bias and discrimination risks 

• Data security and confidentiality concerns with AI tools 

• Lawyer responsible in verifying AI-generated work 

6. Regulatory & Compliance Issues Related to AI 

• How courts and regulators are addressing AI use in legal practice 

• Global AI regulations and their impact on U.S. law firms 

• The future of AI governance and legal liability 

How Lawyers Can Stay Ahead in AI Literacy 

CLE courses are a great start, but lawyers who truly want to stay ahead in AI literacy should also: 

✔️ Experiment with AI Tools – Many AI-driven legal platforms offer free trials. Hands-on experience is the best way to understand AI’s strengths and weaknesses. 

✔️ Follow AI in Legal News – Publications like Law.com, the ABA Journal, and LegalTech News frequently cover AI developments. 

✔️ Engage in AI-Focused Legal Communities – Organizations like the Legal AI and Innovation Network (LAIN) and the MIT Computational Law Report provide valuable discussions on AI’s role in law. 

✔️ Pursue AI-Specific Certifications – Some law schools and organizations now offer certifications in legal AI and tech ethics. These can provide deeper knowledge beyond standard CLE programs. 

Final Thoughts: AI CLE is More Than a Requirement—It’s a Career Investment 

AI is here to stay, and lawyers who embrace AI literacy will be the ones who thrive in the coming years. CLE programs that focus on AI aren’t just about compliance—they’re about equipping lawyers with the tools and knowledge they need to practice more efficiently, make better decisions, and uphold their ethical obligations in an AI-driven world. 

As we move through 2025, law firms and bar associations should prioritize AI-focused CLE courses. Lawyers should seek out these opportunities proactively—not just to check a CLE box, but to future-proof their practice and stay ahead of the curve. 

Ready to level up your AI literacy? Start by exploring AI CLE courses today—because in the legal profession of tomorrow, knowing AI isn’t optional, it’s essential.