AI Becomes the New Legal Ally
A growing number of people in the U.S. are now using ChatGPT instead of hiring lawyers to fight their legal cases. From eviction appeals to debt disputes, self-represented litigants are relying on AI tools to research laws, draft filings, and challenge court rulings.
Lynn White from California is one striking example. She was facing eviction and couldn’t afford a lawyer. She turned to ChatGPT and Perplexity to build her legal strategy. Over several months, AI helped her spot judicial errors, plan arguments, and prepare documents. In the end, she overturned her eviction and avoided more than $70,000 in penalties and rent. She called AI “indispensable” in her win.
Wins and Costly Mistakes by ChatGPT
While some are succeeding, others are facing serious trouble. Staci Dennett from New Mexico used ChatGPT to negotiate a debt settlement, saving $2,000 and earning praise from opposing lawyers.
But not all outcomes are positive. Jack Owoc, a Florida businessman, was sanctioned after submitting court documents with 11 fake case citations generated by AI. Similarly, Earl Takefman cited a nonexistent case twice in a pickleball-related dispute.
According to legal researcher Damien Charlotin, there have been 282 U.S. cases and over 130 international ones since 2023 involving AI in court. Most errors include fabricated case law, false quotes, or misrepresented judgments.
Courts Tighten Oversight Over ChatGPT Use
Courts are responding quickly. A California lawyer was fined $10,000 after ChatGPT produced 21 hallucinated quotes in a legal brief. Judges are issuing warnings and even demanding that litigants disclose their use of AI.
Some lawyers view AI as a valuable research tool, provided it is carefully verified. Others worry about its sloppy use leading to a waste of judicial resources. Legal clinics in Los Angeles have even started teaching people how to use AI responsibly through fact-checking and cross-verification methods.
A Global Legal Shift
While these cases are currently centered in the U.S., the trend signals a major shift that could spread globally, including in countries like Pakistan, where high legal costs often deter people from attending court. AI tools like ChatGPT can make legal knowledge more accessible and understandable.
However, the risks are real. When used wisely, AI can level the playing field. When misused, it can lead to fines, sanctions, or worse. As one attorney noted,
“AI is the next frontier. Lawyers who ignore it will be outgunned.”