08/27/2026
We are thrilled to announce that The National Law Review and Wickard have recognized Stetson Law Professor Kirsten Davis, PhD, as one of the Top 50 Legal Innovators in Academia for 2026.
Early in the emergence of generative AI, Davis encouraged legal educators to examine its broader implications for legal communication and instruction. Her widely discussed essay, "A New Parlor Is Open," sparked conversations among legal writing faculty nationwide by urging the field to explore how AI may reshape the foundations of legal education rather than focusing exclusively on concerns about academic misconduct.
Building on that scholarship, Davis helped pioneer the integration of AI into legal writing education through the development of an innovative course focused on the technology's impact on legal writing. She also established a community of legal educators that has grown to more than 500 members and was recognized with the Legal Writing Institute's 2026 Mary Lawrence Innovation Award.
Following her appointment as Stetson University's Provost's Fellow for Generative AI, Dean Ben Barros recently named Davis the Faculty Director for Stetson's Initiative on AI in Legal Education and the Profession. In this role, she will help shape the law school's approach to AI and emerging technologies. She will also guide the creation of educational opportunities for students, faculty, and legal professionals, helping the Stetson community continue to develop the skills, knowledge, judgment, and ethical framework needed to use AI effectively and responsibly.
Join us in congratulating Dr. Davis on this latest recognition of her leadership and contributions at the intersection of AI and legal education.
Learn more about this recognition: https://hubs.ly/Q04vr-D00