AUSTRALIA — A Victorian solicitor is the first in Australia to be penalised for using artificial intelligence in court. He gave the court a list of legal cases that AI software had created — but none of them were real.
The lawyer, whose name has not been released, represented a husband in a family dispute in July 2024. Justice Amanda Humphreys asked him to provide examples of similar cases. When the court could not find them, he admitted he used AI-powered software and did not check the results.
He apologised to the court, paid the other side’s legal costs, and said he had learned from the mistake. The Victorian Legal Services Board (VLSB) investigated and decided to take disciplinary action.
On 19 August 2025, the Board changed his practising certificate. He can no longer work as a principal lawyer, manage his own firm, or handle trust money. For two years, he must work under supervision as an employee solicitor.
The VLSB said the decision reflects its commitment to responsible AI use. The regulator reminded lawyers that AI tools can help with research only when used carefully and verified properly.
This case marks Australia’s first disciplinary action linked to false AI-generated citations. More than 20 similar cases have since appeared in other states, including Western Australia and New South Wales.
The Law Council of Australia warned that while AI can assist legal work, it cannot replace sound professional judgment. “Lawyers must always honour their ethical and professional duties,” said Law Council President Juliana Warner.
