Computer Literacy in Legal Education
As the legal profession continues to evolve, so, too, does the curriculum designed to prepare law students for the demands of modern practice. Among the most significant recent changes is the inclusion of a practical computer skills workshop in our externship programs.
Students earn externship credits for legal work with government or non-profit agencies providing experiential learning. Each student extern enrolls in an accompanying externship workshop course mandated by the American Bar Association (ABA). These workshops emphasize the importance of proficiency in professional legal skills, including computer literacy, with the goal of equipping our future lawyers with essential skills.
Historically, law schools focused on theoretical knowledge and case law analysis. However, the rise of technology in the legal field has necessitated a shift toward more practical training. Business lawyers in particular are increasingly required to possess knowledge of data analytics and financial modeling along with other quantitative skills. As a result, Maryland Carey Law is integrating computer literacy training into their externship programs to ensure students are not only competent in legal theory, but also adept at utilizing technology in their practice.
Frank Lancaster, Senior Academic Services Specialist, has worked at Maryland Carey for nearly fifteen years. With advanced degrees in both Political Science and Information Systems, Frank leverages his experience at the law school, his love of data, and knowledge of computers to instruct externs in computer literacy. Focusing on Microsoft Excel, he created a workshop session to train future attorneys on the capabilities and essential functions of a useful tool. Marking the one year of offering this instruction, Frank reflects, “I’ve built a unique and eclectic skill set after nearly fifteen years at Maryland Carey Law, and it’s a great feeling to be able to share this knowledge with our outstanding students and contribute to their legal educations.”
Excel is a powerful tool that can streamline a multitude of tasks in legal practice. As business law becomes increasingly data-driven, the ability to effectively use tools like Excel is no longer a luxury but a necessity. M. Teresa Schmiedeler, Managing Director, Public Service Programs & Outreach, commented, "Frank presented an informative and well-received practical skills-based Excel tutorial to my Fall 2024 Public Interest Workshop. Legal employers, including externship supervisors in all legal sectors, appreciate and now require strong computer and technical skills from our law students. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the talented faculty and staff at Maryland Carey Law to explore innovative ways to best prepare our students for the practice of law." Julia Simpson ’25, an extern with the Delaware Court of Chancery during the fall semester, noted, “The Excel for Lawyers lesson was one of the most practical things that I have learned in law school. It will definitely help me in practice.”
By embracing these changes, Maryland Carey Law is ensuring that our graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern legal practice, ultimately leading to more effective representation and better outcomes for clients. Computer literacy is now essential in legal education.