Most of us agree that the majority of law students need some level of technology education in order to in order to be competent to practice law under
Rule 1.1 of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. As of February 2018, 28 states have adopted an explicit duty of technology competency and other states have indicated that their broader competency rule would encompass technology competency.
We can debate whose responsibility it is to provide technology education but, for purposes of this discussion, we'll talk about those situations that the law school takes on some responsibility for it and how that is funded. If these are teaching and learning resources are they purchased by the library? What about the IT or law school budget? In this time of shrinking or flat budgets, where do we find the money and what are we giving up instead? Hear from a panel of of your colleagues how different models are working at their institutions and join a discussion about possible ways to prioritize and fund legal technology education and the pros and cons of each.
Level of knowledge: This session is suitable for all attendees, novice to expert.
Takeaways: Attendees will leave the session with (a) an understanding of different options for where legal technology education may find a home in the law school, (b) the pros and cons of each model, and (c) budgetary impacts of the various models.
Interested in joining the panel? Looking for IT, library, faculty, and law school administration perspectives to share.
