https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/29/michael-cohen-trump-lawyer-fake-citations
This issue has come up before where a lawyer allegedly uses AI to draft a brief and comes up with fake citations. AI programs are not responsible for the quality of their work. They can’t be sanctioned or punished or fined. But the lawyer who signs said brief most certainly can be sanctioned or fined.
In this particular story, the claim is that Michael Cohen, a disbarred attorney who spent much of his career representing Donald John Trump, gave his lawyer fake citations for some legal brief. Cohen in turn blames the AI program he used.
There is no excuse for this behavior. The lawyer must accept responsibility. He should never have taken any work product from Michael Cohen who is both disbarred and a convicted felon. Sanctions are likely to issue as well as a disciplinary complaint.
No matter how much pressure you are under to get something done on time, do not ask AI to practice law. It cannot do that and you will pay a high price. Instead, get an extension of time or file the brief with a motion for leave to file instanter. Hold yourself accountable or others may be forced to do it for you.
Ed Clinton, Jr.