“Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT are changing the way we work. But without proper oversight, they can do real damage.
Case in point: A recent incident where an attorney was fined $15,000 after submitting legal briefs generated by AI. The problem? The brief included fake case citations that were completely fabricated by the AI, but presented as real.
This isn’t an isolated case. AI platforms like ChatGPT are powerful, but they’re also known to hallucinate. That means they can generate information that sounds credible (court cases, legal citations, even news articles) but is entirely fictional.
For attorneys, that’s not just inconvenient, it’s a professional and ethical risk. Submitting false information, even unintentionally, can harm your credibility, cost you clients, and in some cases, lead to financial penalties or sanctions.
If you’re using AI tools in your legal practice, treat them like an assistant — not an authority. Verify everything. Always double-check case citations, sources, and facts before relying on AI-generated content in any official capacity.
AI can absolutely improve efficiency—but only when paired with professional judgment and thorough fact-checking. Don’t let a shortcut cost you your credibility.”
– Â Hugo E. Gomez, Founder (Abogados NOW)