We are all familiar with the length salespeople will go to in order to make a sale. They will say exactly what you want to hear, “You look fabulous in that”; “Of course the land is far more valuable than the current listing price”; “You won’t find it cheaper anywhere”. Artificial intelligence can be much the same.
Artificial intelligence has rapidly become part of everyday life. From drafting emails to answering complex questions, AI tools are increasingly used as a convenient source of information. It is therefore no surprise that many individuals are turning to AI platforms for legal guidance. While these tools may appear helpful and efficient, relying on artificial intelligence for legal advice carries significant risks that clients should carefully consider. Like the salesperson, they should not be simply trusted.
First and foremost, AI does not provide legal advice—it provides general information. Legal matters are inherently nuanced and fact-specific. Even small differences in circumstances can lead to very different legal outcomes. AI systems are not capable of fully understanding the context, subtleties, or strategic considerations involved in a client’s unique situation. As a result, the information provided may be incomplete, oversimplified, or entirely inapplicable.
But more notably, AI hears your prompts and will often give you the answer you are looking for. For example, should you ask if you are constructively dismissed and explain your circumstances, AI will tell that you are because that is what you want to hear. It will go on to cite the legal authorities on constructive dismissal, thereby leading you to believe you have a good claim whether you really have one or not.
Another concern is accuracy. While AI systems are trained on large datasets, they are not infallible. They may generate responses that sound authoritative but are legally incorrect, outdated, or misleading. Unlike a qualified lawyer, AI tools do not verify sources in real time, nor do they exercise professional judgment. Acting on incorrect legal information can have serious consequences, including financial loss, missed deadlines, or damage to one’s legal position. The law changes over time but the old law is still out there with great potential to be misinterpreted.
Confidentiality is also a critical issue. When clients input sensitive information into AI platforms, they may unknowingly expose confidential or privileged details. Unlike communications with a lawyer, which are protected by solicitor-client privilege, information shared with AI tools may be stored, processed, or used in ways that are beyond the user’s control. This creates potential risks to privacy and data security. Your AI prompts may also be producible in future litigation.
AI responses are often presented clearly and persuasively, users may mistakenly believe they have received reliable legal advice. This can discourage individuals from seeking proper legal counsel when it is most needed or not trusting legal advice when received.
These are all big mistakes.
While Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool for general education and preliminary research, it should never replace consultation with a qualified legal professional. Clients are strongly encouraged to seek advice from an experienced lawyer who can provide tailored guidance, ensure accuracy, protect confidentiality, and advocate effectively on their behalf.
In legal matters, convenience should never come at the expense of reliability. The stakes are simply too high.
So rather than allowing oneself to be charmed into believing one’s own story by AI, seek consultation with a legal professional who will appreciate the intricacies of your situation and provide you with an opinion you can rely on.