The Promise and Pitfalls of AI in Legal Practice: Lessons from Recent Big Law Missteps
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries — and the legal profession is no exception. A recent article from Reuters (Trouble with AI hallucinations spreads to big law firms) highlights how even the largest law firms are grappling with AI’s limitations, particularly so-called “AI hallucinations” — instances where AI tools generate legal citations, facts, or conclusions that simply aren’t true.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder: while AI can be a powerful tool, it must be used thoughtfully and responsibly in legal practice.
At our firm, we believe AI has its place — but with clear limits. Here’s our perspective:
âś… AI can be a great resource if used correctly.
When carefully applied, AI can assist in drafting, enhancing readability, organizing complex information, and generating summaries. This can help streamline workflows and save time — but it’s not a substitute for human expertise.
⚠️ AI should never replace critical legal tasks.
Your lawyer should not rely on AI to conduct legal research, determine deadlines, or handle essential tasks that demand precision and judgment. The risks of AI-generated errors in these areas are simply too high — and could jeopardize your case.
📝 AI can enhance communication — but needs review.
AI can help improve the clarity and flow of written work, or distill large volumes of information into digestible summaries. However, these outputs should always be double-checked by a qualified attorney to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.
The bottom line? AI is a tool — not a lawyer. It’s no more a replacement for skilled legal counsel than a calculator is for an accountant. Our firm remains committed to leveraging technology responsibly to better serve our clients, while ensuring that critical thinking, sound judgment, and personal accountability remain at the heart of our work.
If you have questions about how technology is shaping legal services — or if you want to ensure your legal matters are handled with care and precision — we invite you to contact us.
-PalterLaw
