AI in Law: A Powerful Tool? Or...
Large Law Firm Sends Panicked Email as It Realizes Its Attorneys Have Been Using AI to Prepare Court Document
The legal industry is at an inflection point with AI. The recent Morgan & Morgan debacle—where attorneys cited fabricated case law generated by an AI tool—highlights a fundamental truth: AI is not a shortcut to expertise. It’s an accelerator for those who already know how to navigate complexity.
So, what’s the real challenge here? Blind reliance on AI vs. strategic augmentation of legal work.
🔍 The AI Risk Reality Check
AI hallucinations aren’t just embarrassing—they threaten credibility, client trust, and even legal careers. This isn’t a one-off incident; we’ve seen multiple cases of lawyers facing discipline for AI-generated errors. The problem isn’t AI itself—it’s how we integrate it into professional workflows.
💡 A Smarter Approach: Legal AI Governance in Action
Instead of banning AI, Morgan & Morgan is taking a middle road—requiring verification and lawyer accountability. But is a checkbox acknowledgment really enough? Here’s what proactive legal teams should implement:
1️⃣ AI Literacy as a Core Competency – Lawyers must be trained to detect AI hallucinations just as they analyze legal precedent. AI tools don’t replace legal reasoning; they enhance it.
2️⃣ The “Two-Step Rule” for Citations – If AI helps surface a case, independently verify it with trusted sources. Would you cite a case from an unverified legal blog? AI needs the same scrutiny.
3️⃣ AI Governance with Guardrails – Firms should have clear policies on when and how AI can be used, with accountability measures beyond a simple checkbox. Think human-in-the-loop systems.
4️⃣ Cultural Shift: AI as a Legal Co-Pilot, Not an Autopilot – AI is a tool, not a decision-maker. Just as pilots don’t blindly trust autopilot, lawyers can’t outsource their professional judgment.
🚀 The Opportunity: AI Done Right
AI in law is not the enemy—it’s a force multiplier when used strategically. Firms that embrace AI responsibly will increase efficiency, reduce risk, and strengthen trust with clients and courts. But trust isn’t given—it’s earned through rigor, verification, and ethical responsibility.
💬 Your Thoughts? What policies or best practices should law firms implement to harness AI without compromising integrity? Let’s discuss. 👇
