AI Lawyers and the Courtroom ⚖

Our firm works with artificial intelligence every day. From clients using AI to streamline business operations to creatives incorporating it into content production, we have seen both incredible innovation and serious legal risks.

1. The Courtroom AI Incident That Made Headlines

One recent case captured national attention: a 74-year-old man representing himself in court submitted a pre-recorded video argument, read not by himself, but by an AI-generated avatar. Reported in The New York Times, the incident quickly spiraled into a lesson in courtroom ethics.

The individual, Jerome DeWald, failed to disclose that the person in the video was not real. When the judges discovered this, their response was swift and stern. Though he claimed the use of AI was to ease courtroom pressure, the issue was lack of transparency, a serious problem in any legal context.

2. Misrepresentation and the Dangers of AI in Legal Settings

Even more problematic, DeWald appeared to be launching a business related to AI legal advocacy, which may have influenced his presentation. The judge reminded him that this was not a platform for commercial ventures.

This case highlights a critical truth: AI tools cannot replace actual legal knowledge or courtroom responsibility. Whether you are representing yourself or hiring help, the court expects real, authentic, human advocacy.

3. What We See Behind the Scenes

At our firm, we have reviewed AI-generated contracts with missing indemnification clauses, incorrect jurisdictions, and even references to fake legal cases. These errors are not minor, they can lead to lawsuits, contract disputes, or even disciplinary action against licensed attorneys.

In fact, some courts are now using tools to detect AI-generated filings. Whether you use AI to help write a document or present an argument, failing to disclose its use—or worse, submitting hallucinated content—could be considered fraud on the court.

4. The Bottom Line for Entrepreneurs and Creatives

If you are a business owner or creative using AI, here is what you must keep in mind:

✅ AI is not a replacement for legal counsel.

✅ You are responsible for everything submitted to a court, even if AI wrote it.

✅ Lack of disclosure can damage your case and your reputation.

Whether it is contracts, content, or courtroom prep, always consult a real attorney. The risks of doing otherwise can be steep. If you aren't sure whether legal representation is right for you, give us a call to discuss with our experienced Case Manager. We offer free case evaluations and have proudly earned over 100 five-star reviews on Google.

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Krystle Delgado, Esq.

CEO/Founder