2026

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Mar. 30, 2026—Santa Clara University School of Law is proud to announce the addition of a new Artificial Intelligence Law Specialization within its already established High Tech Law Certificate Program. This new specialization is designed to equip students with the legal, ethical, and regulatory knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world.

With flexible course options and strong ties to Silicon Valley, the High Tech Law Certificate gives students the opportunity to develop their expertise and prepares them for careers at the forefront of law and technology. Santa Clara Law has offered this program for many years, providing a practice-oriented curriculum that covers areas such as intellectual property, privacy, cybersecurity, technology transactions, and the broader legal landscape of Silicon Valley. The High Tech Law Certificate already offers additional specializations, including Intellectual Property, Corporate, and International Law.

Building on this foundation, the new Artificial Intelligence Law Specialization offers students a focused pathway into the legal, ethical, and regulatory dimensions of AI, while remaining anchored in the full High Tech Law curriculum.

New and Expanded AI-Focused Courses
As part of this initiative, Santa Clara Law has already expanded its course offerings to ensure students gain timely, practical exposure to AI-related legal issues.

New and recently added courses include:

AI Governance
This course, taught by Professor Linsey Krolik and Professor Lydia de La Torre introduces law students to the emerging field of AI Governance, which encompasses the laws, policies, frameworks, and practices that guide how organizations, governments, and international bodies oversee artificial intelligence. Students will explore how AI can be developed and deployed responsibly by addressing risk management, bias, privacy, ethics, and misuse, with the goal of mitigating harm while fostering innovation and public trust in AI technologies.

Contemporary Issues with AI
Taught by Professor Ed Lee, Contemporary Issues with AI explores the emerging legal challenges posed by artificial intelligence, examining its impact on the practice of law and helping students develop practical skills to address these complex, evolving issues. The course also surveys how AI is raising novel questions across multiple areas of law, preparing students to think critically about the ethical, regulatory, and policy implications of this rapidly advancing technology.

These courses complement existing offerings within the High Tech Law Certificate, creating a more comprehensive and forward-looking curriculum.

Responding to Student Demand and Industry Growth
Student interest in AI-related coursework has grown rapidly. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life and business operations, students recognize the importance of understanding how these systems are governed, regulated, and implemented responsibly. This new Artificial Intelligence Law Specialization reflects that demand and aligns with broader shifts in the legal market, where employers are seeking graduates who can engage with emerging technologies and advise on evolving risks, compliance, and policy considerations.

With the addition of this specialization and the expansion of AI-focused coursework, Santa Clara Law continues its commitment to preparing students as technology and law evolve.

About Santa Clara University School of Law

Santa Clara University School of Law is dedicated to educating lawyers who lead with a commitment to excellence, ethics, and social justice. Santa Clara Law offers students an academically rigorous program including certificates in high tech, international, public interest and social justice, privacy, and sports law, as well as numerous graduate and joint degree options. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara Law is nationally distinguished for its faculty engagement, preparation for practice, and top-ranked programs in intellectual property and international law. For more information, see law.scu.edu.

Media Contact

Pamela Nonga Ngue | Santa Clara Law Marketing & Communications | pnongangue@scu.edu | 408-551-1763