As a Pre-Law advisor for the past 20 years, I have watched the influence of technology in not just the way students receive information regarding law schools, but also in the way students prepare for law school. So, when I read all the chats on a listserv for professors on the use of AI Chatbot, I had to wonder how this could apply to law school applications.

It seems to me that one area in which students seem to have a difficult time is writing a person[al] statement for law school applications, i.e., the questions that students must answer to explain their interest in attending law school. After reading how some students have used AI Chatbot for law school exams, I decided to try using an AI Chatbot to help me write a personal statement.

I easily set up the account for the AI Chatbot for free and then the fun began. My first question was the typical easy question that sometimes law schools ask their applicants: Why do you want to go to law school?  I typed the question, and this is the response I received:

I want to go to law school because I am passionate about social justice and equity. I am drawn to the law as a way to help create a more equitable and just world. I believe that the law is a powerful tool that can be used to effect positive change and to make sure that everyone has access to justice. I also feel that by obtaining a law degree, I can learn more about the legal system and how to use the law to advocate for those who need it the most.

Social Justice and equity?  The AI Chatbot may understand these concepts but does the student? Reading their application, we have no idea. 

I then typed in the following statement: I know that I will be an excellent attorney…… and AI Chatbot then completed the sentence with this,

Because I have the intelligence, work ethic, and passion for justice that are required for success in this profession. I am confident that I can use my legal education to make a positive impact on the world.

While the student may in fact have a strong work ethic, that work ethic did not include writing their own statement. 

I then wrote my personal stories are…. and AI Chatbot then completed the sentence with this,

A driving force for me to pursue a legal education. I have seen firsthand how the law can be used to empower people and to make real and lasting changes in our communities. I know I can use my law degree to help make a difference and to be an advocate for those who need it the most.

There is a concern because we do not know if the student actually has firsthand experience in any area of law, more specifically what their personal stories are. It does not provide details of any of the students’ personal experiences.

I then decided to type in I want to attend this … law school, and AI Chatbot then completed the sentence with this,

Because I believe it will provide me with the tools and resources I need to be an effective advocate for social justice and equity. The faculty and staff are highly experienced and knowledgeable professionals who can help guide and mentor me as I enter the legal profession. Additionally, Law has an excellent reputation as one of the top law schools in the country and I am confident that I will receive a world-class legal education there.

This statement shows no understanding of the specific law school, the clinics, the faculty, or any particular characteristic that sets this law school apart from all the others. It does not explain why this student wants to attend this particular law school.

I then decided to go for the gold and ask the following question.

What makes you stand out against other law students, and AI Chatbot then completed the sentence with this,

I stand out among other law school applicants because I have a strong passion for social justice and equity that I have developed through my personal experiences. I have a deep understanding of the law and its power to effect positive change, and I am determined to use my legal education to make a positive impact on the world. Additionally, I have a strong academic record and a commitment to hard work. I am also highly organized and have a reputation for being reliable. I have excellent communication skills and I am confident in my ability to work with people of various backgrounds. Finally, I have a deep commitment to giving back to my community. I have volunteered my time and resources to local organizations that are working to make our communities stronger and more just. This commitment to social justice and equity has given me the opportunity to gain valuable experience and knowledge that I know will make me an effective advocate for those who are in need.

Although this statement is well written, it does not explain how this student is different from all the other applicants, nor does it explain anything personal about them.  The statement addresses the applicant’s commitment, drive and determination to attend law school; however, there are not any examples provided of that individuals commitment, drive or determination. 

As you can see, this feedback was not bad and most students would turn this in and you have no way of checking to see that it was not their words or thoughts, but AI.  I did ask one more question that I think you will find interesting.  Will AI help students with personal statements for law school and this was the answer,

AI can help students with personal statements in law school applications by providing assistance in the drafting process. AI-powered solutions can analyze an applicant’s writing style and offer suggestions for improvement. AI can also provide feedback on grammar, syntax, and punctuation. AI can also help students to identify strong themes and stories in their personal statements. AI can analyze an applicant’s story and suggest ways to make it more compelling and engaging. This can help students to craft a more personal statement that will stand out to admissions committees. Overall, AI can be a useful tool for students in the law school application process. It can provide valuable assistance in the personal statement drafting process, helping to make the statement more concise, compelling, and effective.

While AI can be criticized for some things, I have to agree with the above answer, that AI can be a very useful tool to help students develop a well written personal statement and to help a student realize the reasons that they want to attend law school.  Ultimately, I do think that AI is a useful tool but only if used properly. I found it helpful in feedback and think students will too.