3L Jessica Zaki's Law Article on AI Accepted for Publication

California Western student 3L Jessica Zaki’s paper, "Legislation or Litigation: Separation of Powers in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Regulation" is accepted for publication in the Spring 2027 issue of the Syracuse Journal of Science and Technology Law. 

Now in her third year, Zaki wrote the paper as part of Professor James Cooper's AI and the Law course during the spring semester. The paper argues that Congress should take a more active role in addressing the risks and legal challenges posed by artificial intelligence, rather than leaving courts to resolve those issues on a case-by-case basis. 

After earning the highest grade in the course, Zaki was encouraged by Cooper to pursue publication. With guidance from California Western faculty and staff, she submitted the article to a number of technology law journals before accepting an offer from the Syracuse Journal of Science and Technology Law. 

"Having my article published is such a meaningful step forward in my career," Zaki said. “I have always been very interested in AI and its impact on the legal world, which is what drew me to Professor Cooper’s class. I learned so much in this class and through my research and I was able to write a paper focusing on the need for regulation. I am so happy to add to the conversation of AI in the legal world, and I hope to one day become an attorney practicing in this new and evolving practice area.” 

Cooper is proud to have a student succeed in publishing her work and noted how this kind of accomplishment helps future lawyers stand out. 

"Jessica Zaki continues the rich legacy of our law school’s students publishing their scholarly writing articles in established journals," Cooper said. "A writing sample that is in an offprint of a law review article is the best writing sample and sets our students apart in a competitive job market.  It is a real career highlight."