Transforming Law Education in Colombia
Inside Sebastián Díaz Bolívar's AI-powered classroom at Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, where students learn to practice law for the future.
Sebastián Díaz Bolívar teaches Legaltech at Catholic University Luis Amigó.
Source note: This is an edited interview adapted from a narrated video submitted to OpenAI. Watch the associated video in OpenAI Academy.
Intro
What does it look like when a law school embraces artificial intelligence—not just as a topic, but as a practical tool for students and the communities they serve? At Universidad Católica Luis Amigó in Medellín, Colombia, law professor Sebastián Díaz Bolívar is leading a pioneering LegalTech initiative that integrates ChatGPT into the curriculum. The result: students are learning to draft legal documents, analyze cases, and deliver social impact at a pace and quality previously unimaginable. In this interview, Díaz Bolívar shares the story behind the program, why AI matters for legal education, and what’s changed since they started.
The Interview
Q: Sebastián, can you set the stage—how did your LegalTech initiative begin, and what sparked the focus on AI?
Díaz Bolívar: It started in 2023, when ChatGPT was first announced. We saw its potential and began experimenting with these tools in our law courses. Our director, Esteban Aguirre Espinoza, recognized that few lawyers in Colombia understood how to use AI in legal practice, so we decided to lead the way. We created a new course called LegalTech, designed to teach students not just about AI, but how to use it responsibly and effectively in real legal work.
Q: What does that look like in practice? How do students actually use AI in your classes?
Díaz Bolívar: First, we make sure students understand that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human judgment. For example, we take real legal documents—like contracts or petitions—created by Colombian lawyers and our own students. We upload these to the software, then guide students in using ChatGPT to generate new drafts. The key is teaching them to craft better prompts, because better prompts mean better documents. We also emphasize the importance of human supervision at every step.
Q: Can you share a concrete example of how this has changed students’ work?
Bolívar: Absolutely. In Colombia, there’s a legal process called “conciliación” that requires students to draft specific documents, like a Petition for Conciliation. Previously, it took students about 50 minutes to produce a solid draft. With AI, they can now do it in 5 to 7 minutes—ten times faster. That’s a huge leap in efficiency, and it frees up time for deeper learning and client interaction.
Q: Beyond efficiency, how are you using AI to foster critical legal skills?
Bolívar: We use AI to help students analyze Supreme Court cases. First, we teach the theory—how to read and interpret legal precedents. Then, with ChatGPT, students can process large volumes of case law and quickly identify the most relevant points. But again, the AI doesn’t work alone: students must supervise, interpret, and give feedback on the results. This combination of technology and human insight is crucial.
Q: Your program also has a social impact dimension. How does AI help you serve the wider community?
Bolívar: We run a legal clinic where people with limited resources come for assistance. We’ve built a custom GPT to help students create better legal documents for these clients. This not only improves the quality and speed of our services, but also teaches students to use technology ethically and for the public good. Some of our graduates have even been hired by companies specifically to improve their legal operations using these skills.
Q: What’s been the most rewarding outcome so far?
Bolívar: Seeing our students succeed—both in class and in their careers. Graduates have told us that their AI skills set them apart in the job market. And as a faculty, we’re proud to be recognized as leaders in LegalTech education in Colombia. We’re excited for what’s next as AI tools continue to evolve.
What Stands Out
Core idea: Universidad Católica Luis Amigó integrates ChatGPT into legal education to prepare students for modern legal practice.
Classroom design: Students learn to use AI responsibly by drafting real legal documents, analyzing case law, and refining prompts under human supervision.
Student impact: AI enables students to complete complex legal drafts in minutes, enhancing efficiency and freeing time for deeper learning and client service.
Transferable lesson: Combining technology with ethical oversight and social responsibility can transform professional education and community engagement.
Bio
Sebastián Díaz Bolívar Sebastián Díaz is a law professor at Universidad Católica Luis Amigó in Colombia. He specializes in LegalTech and artificial intelligence applied to law. Sebastián leads innovative projects that explore how AI can transform legal education and practice.