Office of Continuing Legal Education Hosts Inaugural AI Summit
The University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law Office of Continuing Legal Education, in partnership with the Fayette County Bar Association, held its inaugural conference on artificial intelligence on Jan. 8, 2026. Local attorneys gathered in a classroom of the law building for the Artificial Intelligence and the Law 2026 Winter Summit, which is part of a new series of educational programming devoted to the use of artificial intelligence in the practice of law.
Mary Beth Forester, director of the Office of Continuing Legal Education, welcomed attendees to the half-day summit and said CLE plans to continue providing information to practitioners on the subject.
“We developed this evolving series to meet the educational needs of the legal community as attorneys and legal professionals strive to keep abreast of this quickly changing area of law,” Forester said. “Not only is artificial intelligence the fastest growing area of law, it is the fastest growing tool in practicing law and managing law practices. We will be providing scholarly and practical information that all attorneys and those working in the legal field should know.”
Forester said CLE plans to host a summit twice a year on various topics related to artificial intelligence. In addition, many CLE programs, regardless of the topic, often include information related to AI.
Professor Christina Lowry, law practice and technology librarian at UK Rosenberg College of Law, presented on the evolution of artificial intelligence, its benefits, and best practices. At the end of her presentation, she reminded attendees that AI can be a useful tool, but it cannot replace a human with a hard-earned law degree.
“Remember that it is a tool, not an expert. You are the expert, even on the days when you don’t feel like an expert – you are the expert,” Lowry said. “You know more about this field than the platform because it’s just giving answers based on statistical probability. You are the final decisionmaker. You are responsible for making sure the information that it gives you is correct. Treat it like you would opposing counsel.”
Attorney Shelly Ann Kamei with Kentucky Legacy Law described the artificial intelligence tools she uses for greater efficiency at her estate planning and elder law firm, including tools that aid in explaining complicated concepts to clients, and maintaining confidentiality while using these tools.
Kyle R. Bunnell, an attorney at Dinsmore and a UK Rosenberg College of Law alumnus, wrapped up the summit with a presentation on the practical uses of AI and ethical implications.
“I think people are genuinely frightened, but you don’t have to be frightened,” he said. “You should be cautious.”
The Artificial Intelligence and the Law 2026 Winter Summit was recorded and will be offered as an on-demand program. For more information, visit law.uky.edu/continuing-legal-education.
The Office of Continuing Legal Education is the first continuing legal education provider in Kentucky and is known for its in-depth and scholarly continuing legal education programs. CLE’s mission is to assist lawyers in keeping abreast of changes in the law, to develop and sustain practical skills and competence in the practice of law, and to maintain a high degree of professionalism in the practice of law.
