Episode 135: Python for Lawyers

Jul 8, 2024

Special guests Morgan Gray and Wes Oliver from Duquesne University's School of Law discuss integrating Python into legal education, highlighting benefits for law students. They share challenges, successes, and the future impact of coding skills for lawyers. The episode explores real-life examples, employer feedback, and the growing demand for tech-savvy legal professionals.

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ANECDOTE

From Probable Cause To Python

Wes and Morgan started teaching Python because they wanted to build a tool to analyze probable cause across many cases.
Their curiosity about AI in medical research led them to learn coding and then teach other law students.

ADVICE

Make Intro Classes Extremely Welcoming

Make the coding classroom extremely welcoming with lots of office hours and hands-on help.
Offer in-person support like giant monitors and plug-in sessions so novices feel comfortable asking questions.

ADVICE

Teach Coding Inside Law School

Teach coding within law school rather than expecting students to cross-register.
Place classes in-law to lower intimidation and make instructors relatable to law students.

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In this episode of Teaching Python, hosts Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes dive deep into the innovative intersection of law and coding with special guests Morgan Gray and Wes Oliver from Duquesne University's School of Law. This fascinating conversation explores how Python programming is being integrated into the law curriculum to enhance the analytical and information processing skills of law students. The episode kicks off with introductions and personal anecdotes, setting the stage for a thought-provoking discussion about the future of legal education.

Morgan and Wes share their unique journey of incorporating Python into their legal courses, detailing their beginning stages and the progression they've seen in their students. They discuss the challenges and rewards of teaching coding to future lawyers and the significant benefits it provides to their legal studies and careers. Through real-life examples and success stories, listeners gain insight into how Python is not only a tool for software development but also a powerful aid in legal problem-solving and decision-making.

The episode wraps up with a look at the broader implications and future opportunities for law graduates who possess coding skills. Sean and Kelly highlight the feedback from employers and the growing demand for tech-savvy lawyers in the industry. Whether you're a law student, educator, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers a compelling look at how the integration of coding into non-traditional fields can open new avenues for innovation and efficiency.

Special Guests: Morgan Gray and Wes Oliver.

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Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University — We educate lawyers to preserve the highest ideals of our profession and to promote equal justice and democratic discourse through leadership, service, and civic engagement. As a student at Duquesne Kline, you will receive a well-rounded legal education full of opportunities to practically apply your coursework—through our clinics, our appellate programs, and innovative offerings, like our Leadership Fellows Program and JD/ MBA program.
Professors present groundbreaking “Coding for Lawyers” course at Python Education Summit — Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University Professor Wesley Oliver and Adjunct Professor Morgan Gray, L’19, recently presented at the Python Education Summit (PyCon) in Pittsburgh.