AI is NOT Your Lawyer

Why You Should Think Twice Before Using AI for Legal Advice

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming everything from how we search the web to how we write emails, it’s tempting to believe it can also replace human lawyers. AI-powered tools can summarize contracts, generate legal arguments, or even simulate courtroom dialogue. But before you let an algorithm steer your legal decisions, it's worth understanding the serious limitations—and risks—of using AI for legal advice.

AI is a fun tool, but it in the legal realm, it is no substitute for an experienced attorney.

AI Isn't a Lawyer—And It Can't Be One

One of the most critical distinctions to make is that AI is not a licensed attorney. It doesn't go to law school, pass a bar exam, or get sworn in to uphold ethical standards. While it can process vast amounts of legal text, statutes, and case law, it doesn’t understand the nuance, context, or ethical considerations that come with legal practice.

More importantly, AI cannot offer legal privilege—a fundamental component of the attorney-client relationship. In a recent podcast episode, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addressed this issue directly, explaining that AI does not offer the same privileged communications as a therapist or a lawyer. This is especially problematic given how many details people openly input into these systems.

This means that if you’re sharing sensitive legal details with an AI chatbot, those conversations are not protected in the way they would be with a real attorney. That has serious implications for confidentiality, especially if you’re involved in ongoing litigation or criminal proceedings.

Errors, Hallucinations, and Misinformation

AI can and does make mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes are small—a misquoted law, a misinterpreted clause. Other times, they can be dramatic. For example, AI systems have been known to invent (or “hallucinate”) case law, citing court decisions that don’t actually exist. This has already led to real-world legal trouble for professionals who relied on AI-generated research. Recently a judge had to rescind an opinion in a case because it was discovered that a significant percentage of the caselaw the opinion relied upon was fake.

The legal system is built on precedent, precision, and interpretation. A single error can have enormous consequences, from a lost case to criminal liability. No AI system today can guarantee the accuracy or reliability required in such high-stakes environments.

Good for Assisting in Research, But Not Decisions

To be clear, AI can be a useful assistant. Many law firms, including this one, use AI to assist in research. AI on specific legal platforms (like Lexis and Westlaw) is helpful in narrowing the focus of research and shortening the time it takes to find an answer. Ultimately, this helps save clients money. It can also help summarize documents or provide general educational content. But it's not a substitute for an experienced attorney who understands the legal system and can represent your best interests.

The Bottom Line: You Need an Experienced Attorney to Assist with Your Legal Issue(s)

AI is a powerful tool, but it's not a lawyer. It can't offer you confidentiality, nuanced judgment, or legal representation. And as Sam Altman pointed out, AI systems don’t offer the protections you get from a real attorney-client relationship. For anything involving your rights, your freedom, or your future, don’t gamble with a machine.

Talk to a real lawyer with experience. Your legal matter is too important to outsource to an algorithm.

Call Mote Law, LLC at 706-200-8426 for a free consultation.

The information provided in this blog post by Mote Law, LLC is for general informational purposes only at the time of drafting. It does not constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as such. Laws may change over time, and the facts of your situation may differ from those discussed here. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing or reading this content. An attorney-client relationship with Mote Law, LLC is established only through a formal, written agreement to represent you. For legal advice specific to your circumstances, please contact Mote Law, LLC directly.