Why Lawyers Use ChatGPT Despite Risks
Why Are Lawyers Still Using ChatGPT, Even When It Backfires?
As of June 2025, the legal profession continues to grapple with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models like ChatGPT, into their practices. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding AI, its adoption is on the rise. The 2024 Legal Trends Report by Clio indicates that an impressive 79% of lawyers are using AI in some capacity, with many leveraging tools like ChatGPT for tasks such as legal research and document drafting[1]. However, the use of AI also raises concerns about accuracy and ethical considerations. For instance, there's been a notable increase in fake legal citations, which have become more common since 2023[4]. So, why do lawyers continue to use AI tools like ChatGPT despite these issues?
Historical Context and Background
The introduction of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT in late 2022 marked a significant shift in how AI could be applied in various industries, including law. LLMs can process and generate human-like text, enabling them to assist with tasks such as drafting documents, conducting legal research, and even managing client communications[1]. As AI technology advances, it has become increasingly accessible to legal professionals, who are drawn to its potential for efficiency and cost savings.
Current Developments and Breakthroughs
AI Adoption in Legal Practice
Recent surveys highlight the growing adoption of AI in legal practice. The ABA Tech Survey found that ChatGPT is the most popular AI tool among legal professionals, with 52% of respondents indicating they use or are considering it[2]. This preference is particularly strong in smaller firms, where 64% of firms with 2-9 attorneys and 62% of solo practitioners are using or considering ChatGPT[2]. Larger firms, however, tend to favor specialized legal AI tools like Thomson Reuters CoCounsel and Lexis+ AI[2].
Challenges and Controversies
Despite the widespread adoption, AI use in legal practice is not without challenges. One of the most pressing issues is the risk of "hallucinations" — AI-generated content that inaccurately represents facts or citations. Legal researcher Damien Charlotin's data shows a significant rise in fake citations since 2023, primarily in the U.S.[4]. This has raised concerns about the reliability of AI-generated legal documents and the potential for these inaccuracies to impact court proceedings.
Real-World Applications and Impacts
AI is transforming several aspects of legal work, from contract drafting to legal research. A Spellbook report found that 38% of legal department professionals are already using AI, with 97% reporting it as either somewhat or highly effective[5]. The top use case for AI is contract drafting, review, and analysis, used by 64% of AI-adopting teams[5]. However, despite these benefits, challenges like trust and data privacy remain significant barriers to full integration[5].
Different Perspectives or Approaches
While some lawyers embrace AI as a tool to enhance efficiency, others are cautious due to ethical and accuracy concerns. The lack of clear policies for AI use in law firms is also a concern; only 10% of law firms have a policy guiding AI use[1]. This gap in governance highlights the need for more structured approaches to AI adoption in the legal sector.
Future Implications and Potential Outcomes
As AI continues to evolve, it's likely that its role in the legal profession will expand. Future developments may include more sophisticated tools that can mitigate current issues like hallucinations and improve data privacy. However, for now, lawyers must navigate the benefits and risks of AI, ensuring that they use these tools responsibly and ethically.
Conclusion:
The use of AI in legal practice, particularly tools like ChatGPT, reflects a broader trend of technology integration across industries. While AI offers significant efficiency gains, it also presents challenges that must be addressed. As the legal sector continues to evolve, it will be crucial for professionals to balance the benefits of AI with the need for accuracy, ethics, and responsible use.
Excerpt:
Lawyers continue to use ChatGPT despite its pitfalls, driven by efficiency gains and the potential to revolutionize legal tasks.
Tags:
OpenAI, ChatGPT, large language models, artificial intelligence, legal AI, generative AI
Category:
Applications/Industry