Latest news with #legalprofession
Forbes
6 days ago
- Forbes
Attorneys—Track AI Hallucination Case Citations With This New Tool
This database tracks hallucinated case citations for attorneys. The legal profession has a new essential resource that could save your reputation, your career and your clients' cases. It's not filled with actual case law, but rather with cautionary tales that every attorney needs to understand. The AI Hallucination Cases database, maintained by legal researcher Damien Charlotin, systematically tracks every documented instance where attorneys have submitted artificial intelligence-generated fake legal citations to courts worldwide. With over two-hundred cases documented and counting, this represents a valuable resource for attorneys on how AI tools create fictional case citations that look completely legitimate. Each entry provides detailed information about the specific court, the nature of the AI hallucinations, the sanctions imposed and the monetary penalties assessed. It's practical intelligence that can help you avoid making the same mistakes that have already caused reputation damage to other attorneys, and in some cases, their careers. Tracking AI Hallucination Cases: Why Attorneys Should Bookmark This Database Understanding why this database exists requires grasping the fundamental challenge that AI tools present to legal practice. When attorneys use AI like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Grok for research, these tools sometimes generate citations that look entirely legitimate but correspond to cases that never existed. The database illustrates that this is more than just a rare glitch. It's a systematic problem affecting attorneys across all practice areas and experience levels. The database serves two primary functions that make it essential for legal professionals: The database is designed to be searchable and filterable, allowing you to find information most relevant to your practice. You can search by jurisdiction to see how courts in your area have handled AI hallucination cases, filter by practice area to understand risks specific to your field, or examine cases involving particular AI tools you might be considering using. AI Hallucination Cases: Patterns Every Attorney Should Understand The database reveals several consistent patterns that every legal professional should understand. One of the most striking findings is how sophisticated AI hallucinations can be. These aren't obviously fake citations with nonsensical party names or impossible dates. Instead, they often involve plausible case names, proper citation formats and legal reasoning that sounds entirely legitimate. AI tools frequently generate citations that include all the elements attorneys expect to see: believable party names, appropriate court jurisdictions, realistic dates and even fabricated quotations that align with the legal arguments being made. AI Hallucination Cases: Geographic and Practice Area Scope AI hallucinations in legal practice are not confined to any particular jurisdiction or area of law. Cases have emerged across the United States in federal and state courts, and international entries include incidents from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Israel, Brazil and several other countries. The practice area coverage is equally comprehensive. The database includes cases from family law, criminal defense, civil rights litigation, personal injury, immigration law, corporate law and virtually every other area of legal practice. This broad scope means that no attorney can assume they're immune from AI hallucination risks simply because they practice in a particular field. Your Next Steps: How to Access The Tracker The AI Hallucination Cases database is freely accessible online and regularly updated as new cases emerge. Legal professionals should bookmark this resource and check it regularly to stay informed about new developments and trends. The database's search and filtering capabilities make it easy to find information relevant to your specific practice area and jurisdiction. When evaluating AI tools for your practice, use the database to understand the track record of different platforms and the types of verification procedures that have proven most effective. If you're developing AI use policies for your firm, the database provides concrete examples of what can go wrong. Most importantly, treat the database as an ongoing educational resource rather than a one-time consultation. The legal profession's relationship with AI technology is evolving rapidly, and the database provides real-time documentation of that evolution. Every legal professional who wants to use AI tools safely and effectively should make this resource a regular part of their professional development routine.
Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Times
Scottish Legal Awards 2025: celebrating excellence in a transformative year
Preparations are underway for the 22nd Scottish Legal Awards – an event poised once again to shine a spotlight on the profession's most outstanding talent © Martin Windebank While the big night is still on the horizon, this year's competition has already made headlines with a record-breaking number of entries: over 100 submissions from more than 50 law firms, organisations, and individuals. Unsurprisingly, demand for tables at the awards dinner is already heating up as it is fast becoming one of the most sought-after bookings in this autumn's corporate calendar. A night to remember The 2025 edition of Scotland's premier independent legal awards programme takes place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central on Thursday, September 18, where the legal community will see their peers recognised for exceptional achievement. Hosted by popular broadcaster Des Clarke, the ceremony represents the culmination of months of rigorous judging by a distinguished 15-member panel led by Chair Lorna Jack, former chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland. This year's awards arrive at a defining moment for Scottish law. The profession is navigating unprecedented challenges and opportunities – from the adoption of artificial intelligence to new regulatory frameworks – while maintaining its unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. The ceremony will celebrate not only current excellence but also the vision and adaptability that will define the sector's future. The awards programme is proudly supported by headline sponsor Denovo, a legal technology company that has been helping Scottish law firms for more than 40 years. Steven Hill, Managing Director of Denovo, is an enthusiastic champion of the awards and what they represent: He said: 'This event plays a crucial role in recognising the incredible work and achievements of the Scottish legal community – something we are passionate about supporting. 'At Denovo, we see real synergy between the Awards' celebration of excellence and our own mission to help Scottish law firms succeed and make their working lives a little easier.' He added: 'Our business was founded here in Scotland, and we're proud to have grown alongside so many fantastic law firms. Supporting such a prestigious event demonstrates our long-term commitment to the Scottish legal sector. We look forward to celebrating the outstanding talent, innovation, and dedication that make this profession so special.' © Martin Windebank The awards take place against the backdrop of a legal landscape that is changing rapidly. The Legal Services Regulation (Scotland) Bill, passed in May 2025, has strengthened oversight of solicitors and improved consumer protection. The rollout of Civil Online now allows lawyers to handle civil claims digitally in the Court of Session and sheriff courts, making processes faster and more efficient. Perhaps most notably, Scottish firms are embracing artificial intelligence in ways that seemed impossible just a few years ago. Many practices are reporting that AI tools help them complete routine tasks like document review and contract analysis much faster than before. But the impact of new technology goes well beyond simple timesaving. Law firms are now looking for trainees and newly qualified solicitors who can work confidently with AI tools, while senior lawyers are learning to oversee these new systems responsibly. It's a shift that's changing how legal work gets done at every level. Recognising excellence This year's awards programme features 20 categories that cover the full range of legal expertise across Scotland. For the first time, the Firm of the Year award has been split into two categories – large firms with over 250 employees and smaller practices with under 250 employees – recognising that different sized firms face distinct challenges and have particular strengths. A brand-new category, Marketing & Business Development Team of the Year, has been introduced to reflect how important it has become for firms to connect with clients and grow their business. Other categories like Excellence in Equity & Inclusion and Excellence in Support & Wellbeing take account of the fact that the profession is increasingly focusing on the mental and physical health of the people responsible for delivering the services as much as on the quality of the services themselves. © Martin Windebank Company awards encompass Firm of the Year categories for both large and small practices, alongside Excellence in Client Care, Community Care & Social Responsibility, Excellence in Equity & Inclusion, and Excellence in Support & Wellbeing. Team awards recognise specialist expertise across Litigation, Property, In-House Legal, Criminal Defence, Legal Technology & Support, Family Law or Private Client, and the new Marketing & Business Development categories. Individual awards celebrate personal achievement through the Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by The Times), Business Leadership Award, Lawyer of the Year, Paralegal of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Advocate of the Year, and Law Champion of the Year. Championing the people Throughout 2025, Scottish law firms have made real progress in creating more inclusive workplaces. Many are introducing better wellbeing programmes, offering more flexible working options, and developing specific support for underrepresented groups in the profession. The Excellence in Equity & Inclusion and Excellence in Support & Wellbeing categories showcase the firms leading this charge, demonstrating that being a great place to work is just as important as delivering excellent legal services. The awards also recognise the vital role of support staff and paralegals in making law firms work effectively. The thousands of paralegals working across Scotland combine the legal acumen with operational support that are essential to delivering high quality legal services, Scotland's legal profession now offers many different types of roles, with support staff using sophisticated technology and contributing expertise that goes far beyond traditional administrative tasks. The Legal Technology & Support Team of the Year category features eight finalists, while the Paralegal of the Year category celebrates outstanding individual contributions. The Scottish Legal Awards is also proudly continuing its tradition of supporting charitable causes that strengthen the legal profession's foundation. The Lawscot Foundation helps overcome socio-economic barriers to legal education by providing £2,750 annual scholarships to talented students pursuing Scots law degrees, while It's Good 2 Give supports young cancer patients and their families across Scotland, funding psychologist posts in children's oncology wards and operating the Ripple Retreat on the shores of Loch Venachar. © Martin Windebank With September fast approaching, anticipation is building for what promises to be a memorable evening celebrating Scottish legal excellence. The 2025 awards will highlight the remarkable achievements of professionals and firms who have excelled during a year of significant change and progress. From innovative technology adoption to groundbreaking diversity initiatives, from exceptional client service to outstanding community contributions, the ceremony will showcase the very best of what Scotland's legal profession has to offer. Join the celebrations and share in the excitement by booking tickets on the awards website at
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
From bonkers asylum rulings to 2-tier justice that sees you banged up for a tweet, leftie lawyers are destroying Britain
THERE'S one thing you can be pretty sure of. If the politicians don't wreck the country, the lawyers will do it for them. And the great thing is that there are more lawyers than ever to do the job properly. 5 5 Few industries have seen such a growth rate as the legal profession. The number of lawyers and barristers in this country has more than TRIPLED since 1980. We have far more lawyers per head of population than the European average. And it is ever more the case that — especially under Labour — it's the lawyers who make all the important decisions. Public inquiries are led by lawyers. It's lawyers who stop us from deporting who the Government thinks we should deport. They are a barrier against democracy. Appalling decisions Take Lord Leveson. Now, you may remember him as the man who seemed to have a visceral loathing of the Press when he headed up his inquiry in 2012. He was in favour of all kinds of ruses which would have had a chilling effect on Press freedom and reporting on what slebs get up to when nobody is watching. Now Leveson has been asked by the government to come up with a few proposals to unclog our criminal justice system. Our courts are jam-packed with some people waiting four years for their cases to come to trial. See, the more lawyers you have, the longer it takes to get things done. Leveson has proposed scrapping jury trials for complicated cases such as fraud and bribery. Much quicker to get it all sorted out by a judge, you see. Drone footage shows terrifying scale of migrant hotel riot as mob tries to storm building But the right to a trial by jury is one of the cornerstones of a free country. As Manisha Knights, Solicitor Advocate with MK Law, said: 'Our jury system is central and pivotal to our justice system. With juries comes diversity whereas the judiciary still very much lacks it. 'The right to be tried by one's peers should not be removed or be diluted in any way, shape or form.' I trust a jury far more than I trust a judge. Judges have made some appalling decisions over the years. They are almost certainly doing so right now in an immigration tribunal somewhere near you. Judges, I'm afraid, are not to be trusted. Then there's Lord Hermer. Labour governments always have someone like Hermer around to make fatuous pronouncements. Tony Blair had Lord Falconer, who was in a special place beyond ghastly. And now we have Hermer. This oaf was heavily involved in the disastrous deal to give away the Chagos Islands to China's best pal, Mauritius. He also likened Tory and Reform people who wish to get the UK out from under European legislation to Nazis. A statement of such stupidity that it seems scarcely believable. And he has no time for the majority of us who believe we are living in a country with a two-tier justice system. Everything is fine, he insists, there is no difference between the way in which people are treated by our courts. 5 My arse. Tell that to Lucy Connolly, banged up for 31 months with no parole for tweeting nasty things on social media. That's longer than people get for GBH. It was a political decision by our courts, urged on them by the Government, to clobber the people who say horrid things about asylum seekers. Between them, Leveson and Hermer are making this country a slightly worse place in which to live. And the more we take notice of judges and lawyers, the worse this country becomes. Doctor's orders I WONDER how long it will take the Government to cave in to the outrageous demands of the junior doctors? They are demanding a 29 per cent pay rise. Either that, or they are out on strike. We'll see a surrender by Sir Keir. Just as we did with the train drivers. And so soon we'll be even deeper in debt. Even now, this seems less like a working government. And more like a collection of desperate men trying to cling to power. BELLA SANKEY is the boss of Brighton Council. She has reported me to the old bill for inciting terrorism. It was regarding a piece where I talked about detonating an atomic bomb over Glastonbury and Brighton. I said we shouldn't do this because it would be 'a horrible, psychopathic thing to do'. Maybe this was the bit Bella disagreed with, I don't know. But I am wondering why this obnoxious woman has not been arrested for wasting police time. AXEING IS OVER EGGED IT seems to me a bit rough that Gregg Wallace can be booted out of the BBC after 21 years. And yet we don't get told exactly why. He says all the harassment claims against him were rubbish. But we are told he used 'inappropriate language' from time to time. Goodness. I suppose by that they mean working-class language. He was probably a bit ribald from time to time. Which is why, of course, they took him on. To be a low-bred cheeky chappy. There are exactly four working-class people in the BBC now Gregg has left. If I see him down The Den I must remind him to keep his language polite in case his fellow spectators are embarrassed or offended. Why's global warming such a hot topic? Surely heatwave is simply summer . . . 5 WE'RE in the middle of yet another ' heatwave ', apparently. The BBC – and others – keep reporting that we will see more and more of these as global warming increases. Me, I thought we'd be seeing more and more of them because it was that thing called 'summer'. It's 19C up where I am. Pleasantly warm. I don't doubt global warming. But I am bored of its propagandists laying it on so thick. THREAT TO FREE SPEECH LABOUR is working on a definition of Islamophobia, so that they can stop people saying what they think. It is yet another restriction on freedom of speech. In any case, people don't have an 'irrational fear' about Islam, which is what Islamophobia means. They have a perfectly rational misgiving about certain elements of the religion. Anyway, the think tank Policy Exchange has been delving into the organisations giving advice to Labour. One of those organisations is the Centre for Media Monitoring, which is closely allied to the Muslim Council of Britain. Policy Exchange said of this group: 'The aim of this campaign, in the words of its own supporters, is to control and prevent conduct 'far beyond' anti-Muslim hatred or discrimination (which all can agree are wrong, but which are already illegal). 'It is to impose 'appropriate limits to free speech' when talking about Muslims, and special protections for Muslims.'
Gulf Business
07-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
From a key new law to tech at DIFC Courts: Ayesha Bin Kalban shares her insights
Image: Supplied With the recent introduction of Gulf Business met with Ayesha Bin Kalban, who serves as registrar at DIFC courts, to discuss the impact of the new law, and how mediation, technology, and a user-first approach are reshaping dispute resolution in Dubai. Bin Kalban also discusses her path from case progression officer to leading court registry operations and how her journey can inspire Emirati women interested in pursuing a career in the legal profession. Here are excerpts from the conversation. To begin, Tell us a bit about your background and how your journey with DIFC Courts began. Sure. I started out in law because I genuinely wanted to do good — maybe it sounds cliché — but I really wanted to make a difference and improve people's lives. I trained as a lawyer and qualified after about a year and a half in practice, but I quickly realised that being a lawyer wasn't where I could contribute most meaningfully. Then an opportunity came up with the DIFC Courts in 2015, and I took it. I joined as a case progression officer, ensuring filings were timely, parties were complying with rules and procedures, and judges and registrars were kept up to date. Through that role, I absorbed a lot — learning from judges, lawyers, and just by being immersed in the process. Over time, I saw how improving court systems could truly help people, and that's when I realised I wanted to contribute on a structural level. Since then, I've steadily grown with the DIFC Courts — first as assistant registrar in 2018, then as deputy registrar of the Small Claims Tribunal in 2019, followed by deputy registrar of the DIFC Courts in 2020. I hold a degree in Law and Political Science from the University of Saint Joseph Dubai and am qualified to appear before both local and federal courts in the UAE. And you became the registrar in 2022, right? In November 2022, I was appointed Registrar. Being appointed to the position was a big step, and I was hesitant at first — big shoes to fill. But my vision aligned with the DIFC Courts' ambition to become a leading commercial court globally. I saw it as a challenge to enhance people's experience in dispute resolution and contribute to Dubai's legal and economic strategy. Today, I oversee case progression, sit as a judge and mediator with the Small Claims Tribunal, and hear applications in the Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, and the Enforcement Department. I often say that during my eight-hour workday, I'm in the 'hot seat,' ensuring cases move efficiently and that parties feel heard and understood. Are there any cases — without naming specifics — that really shaped your approach at DIFC Courts? Several, yes. Many reminded us to remain agile. Sometimes, rules must evolve to accommodate fairness and efficiency. We've had situations that challenged our existing frameworks, particularly around jurisdiction, and these helped us revisit and update our processes. At DIFC Courts, we welcome stakeholder feedback and use it to enhance user experience. Let's shift to Law No 2 of 2025. What are the most important updates from your perspective? It consolidates previous laws — Dubai Law No 12 of 2004 and DIFC Law No 10 of 2004 —into one statute. This improves transparency and removes outdated or conflicting clauses. It clarifies our jurisdiction over civil, commercial, employment matters, It also strengthens governance, giving the Chief Justice greater authority and clearly separating judicial and administrative functions. Additionally, it supports digital innovation, allowing us to continue enhancing our tech-driven court processes. How has this law helped you in your role as registrar? It's given me more clarity and streamlined procedures. With expanded enforcement powers and refined jurisdiction, we're able to navigate hurdles faster, and thereby serve users. How does the law strengthen judicial independence while aligning with UAE legal reforms? It creates a clearer separation between judicial decision-making and court administration. It expands the chief justice's authority over judge assignments and ensures decisions remain independent. This framework supports the UAE's broader judicial reforms aimed at investor confidence and modernised dispute resolution. On mediation — how does this initiative impact court efficiency and user experience? Mediation is less formal, faster, and often more effective. It's been used since ancient times and is making a resurgence in modern justice. When parties agree on outcomes, they're more likely to comply. This helps reduce caseloads, lowers stress on judges, and fosters faster dispute resolution — sometimes in a matter of hours. It's better for business continuity and overall satisfaction. What about clearer jurisdictional boundaries — how has the new law improved this? It refines our role, particularly in enforcement of civil and employment matters involving DIFC entities. It streamlines our power to recognise arbitral awards and provide interim relief, especially in support of foreign proceedings, this being in line with common law practice. What's being done to speed up litigation and improve case management? We're focusing on the user experience — creating efficient, affordable procedures and fast-tracking hearings. Some emergency hearings can be scheduled within an hour. All of this reinforces Dubai's global standing as a hub for agile and tech-savvy dispute resolution. How has technology helped the DIFC Courts enhance efficiency and service delivery? Technology is central to our court strategy and aligns with Dubai's broader vision of becoming a global leader in smart, efficient dispute resolution. From advanced digital case management tools to the ability to fast-track hearings — including emergency matters within just an hour — technology is transforming how justice is delivered. For users, this means greater convenience and flexibility; they no longer need to worry about travel or scheduling conflicts, as proceedings can be seamlessly integrated into their daily lives. Additionally, the digital shift has significantly reduced paperwork, eliminated delays, and improved transparency across the entire legal process. We actively listen to our community — lawyers, litigants, stakeholders — and use their feedback to refine our digital services. Whether it's about court processes or areas where convenience can be improved, our aim is always to deliver a seamless user experience. Technology is never implemented for its own sake; it must serve our users. You mentioned mediation earlier. What are your top three tips for a successful negotiation? Active listening: It's not just about hearing someone, but making them feel heard. That alone can defuse a lot of tension. Empathy: Put yourself in the other person's shoes — understand their context before relaying it to others. Read the room: Know who you're speaking to, build rapport, and be curious about them. Understanding what matters to the other side improves outcomes. I'll add a fourth—be curious. It helps create connection and trust, which is essential in negotiations. Finally, what advice would you give other Emirati women pursuing a career in the legal profession? We sometimes start on the back foot, especially if we have responsibilities at home. But those experiences — like motherhood — instill resilience, compassion, and understanding, which are essential in roles like mine. My advice is: don't compartmentalise your life, use your strengths from both personal and professional spheres. Work-life balance is important, but it's okay for those sides to overlap sometimes.
Free Malaysia Today
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Zaid, partners appeal dismissal of libel suit against ex-Bar president
Zaid Ibrahim, Liew Teck Huat, and Rueben Mathiavaranam are appealing against the High Court's dismissal of their lawsuit against the Malaysian Bar and ex-president Karen Cheah for libel, breach of statutory duty, and conspiracy to injure. PETALING JAYA : Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim and two others have filed an appeal to overturn a High Court decision dismissing their libel suit against the Malaysian Bar and its former president over statements concerning their conduct in Najib Razak's final SRC International appeal. Lawyers Liew Teck Huat and Rueben Mathiavaranam, the co-appellants, confirmed that the notice of appeal was filed well ahead of its 30-day deadline. The appeal is from a ruling delivered by Justice Roz Mawar Rozain on May 29. 'We are now preparing the memorandum of appeal for the Court of Appeal to state where the trial judge erred. It will be filed by Aug 28,' Mathiavaranam told FMT. Roz Mawar said Zaid, now in legal practice, Liew and Mathiavaranam had failed to prove on a balance of probabilities that they were defamed in a media statement issued by then Bar president Karen Cheah. The judge also dismissed the trio's claims for conspiracy to injure and breach of statutory duty under the Legal Profession Act 1976. The suit was filed on Sept 30, 2022 over Cheah's statement titled 'Abuse of process brings disrepute to our justice system'. The plaintiffs contended that Cheah's remarks implied that the three lawyers had 'undermined the justice system through unscrupulous strategies'. The statement, published on Aug 19, 2022, was carried by several media organisations on the same day. The plaintiffs alleged that the words in the press statement were calculated to 'disparage, besmirch and damn' them in their professional capacities as advocates and solicitors. Najib appointed Zaid's law firm on July 25, 2022 to replace Shafee & Co as solicitors in his final SRC International criminal appeal before the Federal Court. Hisyam Teh Poh Teik was named lead counsel, replacing Shafee Abdullah. Roz Mawar agreed that the media statement had identified the plaintiffs and was published as alleged. However, she said the words, in their natural and ordinary meaning, were not defamatory of the plaintiffs. The judge said the plaintiffs themselves had, before the publication, made multiple public disclosures, including press interviews, social media postings, and commentaries. Roz Mawar said the court also found no evidence to support the plaintiffs' claim of conspiracy to injure and breach of statutory duty.
