Morgan & Morgan Attorneys Face Sanctions for AI-Generated False Citations

Morgan & Morgan Attorneys Face Sanctions for AI-Generated False Citations

Reuters’ Sara Merken reports that Morgan & Morgan, a major US personal injury law firm, recently issued an urgent warning to its more than 1,000 lawyers about AI-generated false citations and the risks of using artificial intelligence in legal research.

The firm’s concerns arose after a federal judge in Wyoming considered sanctioning two of its attorneys for including fictitious case citations in a lawsuit against Walmart.

One lawyer admitted to using AI, which “hallucinated” case law. This is a growing issue in the legal field. Courts nationwide have reprimanded or disciplined attorneys in at least seven similar cases over the past two years.

Generative AI has gained traction in the legal profession, helping attorneys streamline research and drafting. A Thomson Reuters survey found that 63% of lawyers have used AI for work, with 12% using it regularly.

However, AI relies on statistical patterns rather than verifying facts. It can generate false information, known as “hallucinations,” and legal ethics require attorneys to ensure the accuracy of their court filings or face disciplinary actions.

The American Bar Association has reiterated that AI-generated errors do not absolve lawyers of responsibility, reinforcing the importance of due diligence in legal research.

The Morgan & Morgan case is part of a broader trend of legal professionals facing repercussions for AI-related errors. In 2023, a New York judge fined two attorneys $5,000 for citing fictitious cases in a lawsuit.

Similar incidents have occurred in cases involving Trump-nemesis Michael Cohen, who unwittingly sent AI-generated false citations to his attorney, a wrongful termination lawsuit in Texas, and a misinformation expert in Minnesota.

Legal scholars stress the need for AI literacy, emphasizing that while AI can be a powerful tool, lawyers must understand its limitations. As AI continues to evolve, attorneys must verify its outputs to maintain professional integrity and avoid sanctions.