University of Michigan (Coursera)
AI for Lawyers and Other Advocates Specialization
Professor Patrick Barry's four-course Coursera specialization on communicating, problem-solving and leading with AI. Free to audit; 5,000+ enrolled.
Reviewed by Dr. Niklas Schmidt
- Format
- Online, self-paced (Coursera)
- Duration
- 4 courses · ~16 hours
- Fee
- Free to audit
- Level
- Beginner
- CLE / CPD
- None published
- Certificate
- Yes
- Next start
- Available on demand
- Region
- Online (global)
What is University of Michigan's AI for Lawyers and Other Advocates Specialization?
This four-course specialization from the University of Michigan takes a skills-based approach to AI for lawyers and advocates. Taught by Professor Patrick Barry, it covers communication, creative problem-solving, time management and leadership with AI, and shows how to turn AI into a feedback machine for your own writing.
It is one of the most accessible entry points in this directory: free to audit, with a paid certificate through Coursera. More than 5,000 learners have enrolled and it holds a 4.6/5 rating. Note that it is broader than most legal-AI courses; it teaches professional skills with AI rather than deep technical or regulatory content.
What you will learn
- Four short courses on communication, problem-solving, time management and leadership
- Using AI as a writing and feedback tool
- Free to audit, certificate available
Strengths
- Free
- Well-regarded instructor
- Bite-sized courses
Limitations
- General professional skills rather than legal-specific tooling
- No CLE credit
Who is it best for?
Lawyers and law students who want a free, gentle introduction.
How does it compare with our top pick?
Every review on this site includes the same side-by-side with the AI Lab for Lawyers, our editor's choice for hands-on training, so you can see the trade-offs at a glance.
| Criterion | University of Michigan | ★ AI Lab for Lawyers |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Online, self-paced (Coursera) | Live online cohort |
| Duration | 4 courses · ~16 hours | 8 hours (4 × 2 h) + ~2 h homework |
| Fee | Free to audit | €200 per seat |
| Hands-on practice | Limited | Every session |
| Taught by a practising lawyer | Prof. Patrick Barry | Yes, a Wolf Theiss partner |
| Verified rating | 4.6/5 (86) | 4.8/5 (320) |
Alternatives
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Editor's choice · 4.8/5 from 320 lawyers
Ready to use AI in your practice this month?
The AI Lab for Lawyers is 8 live hours of hands-on practice with a partner who uses AI every day, for €200. Cohorts run monthly and sell out, so join the waitlist for the next one.