Key Points for Legal Professionals
1. Most Legal Research Tools Are Paywalled
- Tools like Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law, and PACER are subscription-based and contain the most reliable case law, statutes, regulations, and commentary.
- AI tools cannot access this content unless specific deals are made, which is extremely rare in the legal sector.
If it’s behind a login screen, AI can’t see it.
2. AI Can Invent Cases and Citations
- AI tools frequently “hallucinate”—they make up legal opinions, case names, or citations that sound plausible but are entirely fabricated.
- Several court cases in recent years have involved lawyers disciplined for filing briefs based on fake cases provided by ChatGPT.
Always verify legal content through official sources—never rely on AI alone.
3. There Are Real Ethical and Professional Risks
Use AI Carefully—And Always Confirm
AI might help with:
- Brainstorming general topics
- Simplifying complex language for client communication
- Drafting outlines (with human oversight)
But it cannot replace vetted, up-to-date legal research tools. When in doubt, check with the librarians.
