Lawyers

Texas Federal Judge Penalizes Lawyer for Using Fabricated AI-Generated Legal Citations
Download PDF
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...

The legal field continues to confront the challenges posed by generative artificial intelligence (AI), as another attorney faces disciplinary action for relying on unverified AI-generated research. In a recent ruling, U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone imposed sanctions on Texas attorney Brandon Monk for submitting a court filing that included fabricated case citations and quotations produced by an AI tool.

Sanctions Imposed on Attorney for AI Missteps

The case arose from a wrongful termination lawsuit, Gauthier v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Judge Crone ordered Monk to pay a $2,000 penalty and attend a legal education course on the appropriate use of generative AI in legal practice.

This marks the latest incident in a growing number of cases where attorneys have faced consequences for submitting court documents containing unverifiable or fabricated information generated by AI.

  
What
Where


AI-Generated Errors Uncovered

The issue surfaced when Goodyear’s legal team, led by Kelley Edwards of Littler Mendelson, challenged several case citations included in Monk’s filings. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the cited cases were nonexistent, prompting the court to demand an explanation.

Want to know if you’re earning what you deserve? Find out with LawCrossing’s salary surveys.

In an earlier filing dated November 15, Monk apologized for what he described as an unintentional mistake resulting from his use of an AI legal research tool. He admitted that some of the quotations were improperly placed but maintained that the errors were inadvertent.

Get JD Journal in Your Mail

Subscribe to our FREE daily news alerts and get the latest updates on the most happening events in the legal, business, and celebrity world. You also get your daily dose of humor and entertainment!!




Judge Crone was not persuaded by this explanation, highlighting Monk’s failure to verify the research or address the inaccuracies after Goodyear’s attorneys raised the issue. The judge emphasized that lawyers have a professional responsibility to ensure the accuracy of their filings, regardless of the tools they use.

Courts Grapple with Generative AI

The rise of generative AI tools has sparked widespread debate within the legal profession. While these tools offer significant potential for streamlining legal research and drafting, they are prone to generating fabricated or “hallucinated” information, posing risks for attorneys who rely on them without proper verification.



Whether you’re a recent law school grad or an experienced attorney, BCG Attorney Search has the job for you.

Federal and state courts across the United States have begun issuing orders to regulate the use of AI tools by lawyers and judges. These measures aim to ensure that AI-generated content is subject to rigorous review before being submitted in legal proceedings.

Broader Implications for the Legal Profession

Monk’s case underscores the need for attorneys to approach AI tools with caution. As generative AI becomes more integrated into legal practice, lawyers must remain vigilant about their ethical and professional obligations. This includes verifying AI-generated research and adhering to court rules that demand accuracy and reliability in legal filings.

The court’s sanctions also serve as a reminder that the misuse of AI tools can have serious professional consequences, from monetary penalties to reputational harm.

Case Information

The lawsuit, Gauthier v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas under case number 1:23-CV-00281.

As the legal industry continues to adapt to advancements in AI, the balance between innovation and accountability remains a pressing concern for practitioners and courts alike.

Don’t be a silent ninja! Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.



 

RELEVANT JOBS

Attorney

USA-NY-New York City

Law Firm is seeking to hire a Litigation Associate for a Insurance Coverage and Complex Property Dam...

Apply now

Associate Attorney

USA-CA-Los Angeles

We are looking for a self-motivated associate attorney to work with us on litigation cases primarily...

Apply now

Associate / Counsel: Full Time – Experienced - Hybrid

USA-PA-King of Prussia

ROBSON & ROBSON P.C. seeks a litigator with more than 10 years’ experience to handle a variety...

Apply now

Attorney

USA-FL-Boca Raton

This is a full-time role for a Labor & Employment Law Attorney. The attorney will be responsible for...

Apply now

BCG FEATURED JOB

Locations:

Keyword:



Search Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with ...

Apply Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-Carlsbad

Carlsbad office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with 4-...

Apply Now

Education Law and Public Entity Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law and public ent...

Apply Now

Most Popular

SEARCH IN ARCHIVE

To Top