"One Would Expect … Attorneys Believe They Bring Some Level of Value to Their Clients Beyond That of a Machine"

Summary

The episode examines a recent judicial reprimand of attorney Michael Policchio for filing briefs with fabricated, AI‑hallucinated citations, highlighting a broader pattern of similar errors in other cases. Judge Mark Dinsmore emphasizes that while technology can aid legal work, attorneys have an ethical duty to verify sources and cannot rely on machines to replace professional judgment. The discussion underscores the court’s recommendation of a $10,000 sanction and referral for further discipline, arguing that modest penalties have failed to deter careless citation practices. The host reflects on the tension between rapid tech adoption and the enduring responsibility of lawyers to provide value beyond what a machine can deliver.