October 20, 2025

ASU Law appoints a director of AI and Legal Tech Studio, advancing its initiative to reimagine legal education

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University appointed Sean Harrington as director of the newly established AI and Legal Tech Studio, a key milestone in ASU Law’s bold initiative to reimagine legal education for the artificial intelligence era. ASU, ranked No. 1 in innovation for the 11th consecutive year, drives AI solutions that enhance teaching, enrich student training and facilitate digital transformation.

 

This strategic appointment reflects ASU Law’s commitment to integrating AI across legal education, research and practice. Harrington will lead the studio’s development and operations, driving innovation at the intersection of law and emerging technologies. His work will focus on translating fast-moving AI advancements into practical legal tools, curriculum and partnerships that empower students and serve the broader legal community. 

 

“Sean Harrington’s appointment is another pivotal step for ASU Law as we lead the reimagining of legal education in a rapidly changing landscape,” said Stacy Leeds, Willard H. Pedrick Dean and Regents and Foundation Professor of Law. “His expertise and innovative vision will be key to advancing new technologies for ASU Law students and for our partners. As core competencies for legal profession rapidly change, our students, faculty and staff will have a clear advantage.”

 

Harrington joins ASU Law after serving as the director of Technology Innovation at the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where he taught AI and the law courses and built custom GPTs to enhance learning outcomes. Harrington has a deep-seated passion for the intersection of law and computer science, aiming to clarify complex concepts and ensure that students and faculty understand and effectively utilize AI. He was recently featured in an article by OpenAI for innovative uses of AI in the classroom. Harrington received his JD from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego and a Master of Science in Data Analytics from Arizona State University. 

 

Under the leadership and guidance of Gary Marchant, Regents and Clarissa Cerda Professorship in Law and Technology and faculty director of the Center for Law, Science and Innovation, Harrington will shape the studio’s strategic direction, foster interdisciplinary collaboration and expand ASU Law’s national leadership in legal tech and AI education. 

 

A comprehensive AI Strategy for legal education

 

ASU Law’s AI-forward approach includes:

 

AI-integrated legal education: Faculty embed AI into coursework, including mandatory 1L training on AI tools. ASU Law was the first in the U.S. to explicitly allow the use of generative AI in the admissions process, promoting access and innovation.

 

AI across degree programs: ASU Law was the first law school in the country to offer an AI emphasis across multiple law degree programs, including Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and Master of Laws (LLM). Students benefit from hands-on mentorship and real-world applications.

 

Thought leadership and collaboration: Through legacy centers like the Center for Law, Science and Innovation, Indian Legal Program and McCarthy Institute, ASU Law hosts annual conferences and workshops that shape national dialogue on AI regulation and responsible innovation.

 

Soft law and governance: The ASU Law’s Center for Law, Science and Innovation maintains a publicly accessible database of over 600 soft law programs focused on AI, providing invaluable resources for breakthrough research and policy development.

 

AI-Enabled online JD program: Launching in Spring 2026, ASU Law’s part-time online JD program — the first of its kind focused on public service — will leverage AI to expand access to justice and address legal deserts. Students will collaborate with the AI Studio to build tools that serve their communities, reflecting ASU’s commitment to inclusivity and public service as outlined in its charter.

 

 

Written by Kourtney Kelley