Federal Judge Declines to Sanction Attorney Over Generative AI Missteps

A federal judge has opted not to impose sanctions on an attorney who submitted a brief riddled with incorrect case citations and quotes generated by artificial intelligence. This decision reflects an ongoing debate regarding the integration of AI technology within the legal profession.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen noted that attorney Thomas Guyer “owned the mistake” and accepted full responsibility for the inaccuracies, as detailed in a transcript from an October 2024 hearing.

AI in the Legal Sphere

Judge Cullen highlighted that the use of generative AI in the legal field is evolving into the “new normal.” Nevertheless, he emphasized that lawyers utilizing such technology are still expected to adhere to fundamental standards of conduct. This includes taking reasonable measures to ensure that all filings are accurate.

“Mr. Guyer is an accomplished lawyer with extensive experience in courts across the United States,” Judge Cullen remarked. He pointed out that what transpired illustrates a significant pitfall associated with generative AI.

Understanding the Nature of the Mistake

The judge determined that Guyer’s errors were unintentional, referencing the attorney’s otherwise “unblemished record.” Additionally, he commended Guyer for proactively identifying mistakes overlooked both by the court and opposing counsel.

Guyer’s attorney, Denis Quinn, echoed these sentiments, stating that his client is