Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
AI and the Law

A focused legal response to artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant future—it is already transforming how we work, decide, and regulate. For legal and compliance professionals, the question is no longer  whether AI will impact their field, but how to  stay up to date and use the technology responsibly while implementing it efficiently.

In response to strong demand for structured, accessible education on AI in the legal context, fear of technological disruption in the legal profession, uncertainty about how to deploy AI tools and develop relevant policies and outstanding feedback from our Spring 2025 AI lecture series, the University of Fribourg is launching the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in AI and the Law—a future-oriented program designed for professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve and lead in an era of rapid technological change. 

One expert noted: “The real risk with AI is not using it.”  However, the real opportunity lies in knowing how to use it well. This CAS empowers legal and compliance professionals to master the tools, techniques, and legal frameworks behind responsible AI use—and to transform that understanding into long-term strategic and competitive advantage.

• The EU AI Act and global legal developments
• AI fundamentals (machine learning, algorithms) in legal practice
• Data Privacy and AI (GDPR and beyond)
• Cybersecurity frameworks for AI systems
• Intellectual Property Rights and Generative AI
• Software and Product Liability in the AI context
• Real-World  Cases of Responsible and Efficient Use of AI in legal and compliance work
• Interactive panel discussions with industry experts
• Optional short thesis supervised by leading experts

Participants will be able to…

• Understand and apply emerging legal frameworks to AI technologies
• Evaluate risk, compliance, and liability in AI-driven systems
• Advise clients or internal teams on legally sound and responsible AI use
• Bridge the knowledge gap between AI innovation and legal safeguards
• Stay competitive in a rapidly evolving legal landscape
• Understand the ethical implications and societal considerations of AI
• Gain interdisciplinary skills to future-proof their careers
• Develop strategic and critical thinking about emerging technologies

Programme Highlights

• 30+ hours of expert-led instruction and case-based learning
• Flexible, practice-oriented format designed for professionals
• Lectures by leading academics and industry practitioners
• Networking opportunities with AI experts and legal professionals
• Offered in English | Launching Fall 2025

AI and the Law CAS Schedule

The next course cycle will run from 17 September to 6 December 2025, with participation possible in person, remotely, or in hybrid mode. All sessions will be recorded and available for asynchronous viewing. All sessions will be recorded and made available for asynchronous viewing, so students can catch up if they miss a class.

Additional Information

Please see the Program documentation, IBL Student Handbook and Code of Conduct, IBL Student Guide and the IBL Housing in Fribourg Flyer for more information about studying at the Institute for International Business Law, University of Fribourg. 

• Who is eligible for the Fribourg Law CAS Program?

  The Fribourg Law Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in AI and the Law is designed to meet the demands of practicing lawyers within this area of law, as well as compliance officers, whether from independent law firms, companies operating internationally, non-governmental or other international organizations.

  CEOs, CFOs, board members, and anyone with an interest in AI and the Law are welcome to apply and check their eligibility, provided they can demonstrate their motivation. We would be delighted to receive your application.

• Your career options

  The Fribourg Law Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Compliance will prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities :

  • compliance or legal departments of national or multinational companies in any field of industry and services such as international trade, chemical and pharmaceuticals, industrial products, telecommunications, construction, banking and financial services;
  • national or international regulatory agencies;
  • international organizations or non-governmental organizations.
• Graduation

  To receive their Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), full- and part-time students must complete curriculum units to earn a minimum of 10 ECTS credits, including:

  • 8 ECTS credits for coursework;
  • 2 ECTS credits for the preparation of a master’s thesis, or completion of a management project.

  Graduation ceremonies are held twice a year, in July and February. The CAS certificate, issued by the University of Fribourg's Faculty of Law, certifies the completion of a Certificate of Advanced Studies and includes the graduate's chosen specialization, name, age, and academic distinction. The certificate is accompanied by a transcript detailing the curriculum units completed, the corresponding ECTS credits, grades achieved, and the overall GPA.

• Tuition fees

  The full tuition fee for the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) program is CHF 8,000, which must be paid in full before graduation. There is no scholarship available for the CAS.

  Application costs

  For successful applications, an administrative fee of CHF 150 and a registration fee of CHF 1,500 are charged.  These non-refundable fees must be paid before the start of the courses on 17 September 2025 and will be credited toward the total tuition. The remaining balance must be paid in full before February 2026.

  Payment options

  A 10% discount is offered for full tuition payments made before the semester starts for students not eligible for scholarships.

  Other fees

  An administration fee of CHF 75 will be charged for any changes to the program track or when switching between CAS and LL.M. programs.

   

  IBL Tuition Terms and Conditions: Click here