Harry Surden

Harry Surden is a Professor of Law at the University of Colorado Law School, where his research focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and law. Recognized as a leading scholar in this field, Prof. Surden is known for originating the concept of "computable contracts" and for his widely-cited articles on topics such as AI Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, AI ethics and loyalty, computable law, machine learning and law, autonomous systems, as well as related work on patent law, copyright law, and information privacy law.

Professor Surden is also the Associate Director of Stanford University's CodeX Center for Legal Informatics, and the Faculty Director of CU's Silicon Flatirons Center's AI Initiative. He brings an interdisciplinary perspective, with a background in both computer science and law. Prior to academia, he worked as a professional software engineer at both Cisco Systems and Bloomberg L.P.

Professor Surden is a graduate of Stanford Law School and Cornell University, both with honors. He also clerked for the Hon. Martin J. Jenkins of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Before joining CU Law, Professor Surden was a resident fellow at Stanford's CodeX center, where he collaborated with the School of Engineering on research exploring the application of computing to improve the legal system. He also led CodeX's Computer Science and Law Initiative and was involved with the Stanford IP Litigation Clearinghouse.

At the University of Colorado, Professor Surden has received numerous awards including the Provost's Scholarship Award and the Goldstein Fellowship. Professor Surden teaches courses on intellectual property law, artificial intelligence and law, patent law, tort law, and on professional judgment, problem solving, and decision-making.

Courses & Publications