Why you shouldn’t rely on AI for legal advice

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way people access information, but when it comes to legal advice, it’s important to understand its limits.

AI tools can generate fast, confident responses to legal questions, which can make them appear authoritative. However, they do not “understand” the law. Instead, they predict patterns based on existing data. This means they can produce answers which may sound correct, but they could be incomplete, outdated, or entirely wrong.

Courts, such as the NSW Supreme Court, expect legal professionals and self-represented litigants to take certain precautions, and at times make certain declarations, with respect to generative AI for documents that come before the court. Both legal professionals and self-represented litigants have been negatively impacted by their use of generative AI in matters before the court.

AI doesn’t apply legal reasoning

Unlike a qualified lawyer, AI does interpret legislation or apply legal principles to a specific set of facts. It does not weigh competing authorities, assess credibility, or consider how courts have applied the law in practice.

Legal advice requires:

• Understanding current legislation and case law;
• Applying that law to your unique circumstances; and
• Exercising professional forensic judgment.

AI simply cannot replicate this process.

The risk of incorrect or outdated information

AI-generated responses may:

• Misinterpret statutes or legal terminology;
• Rely on outdated laws or cases; and
• Overlook key exceptions or nuances.

The result is advice that may appear reliable, but could expose you to significant legal risk if acted upon.

Privacy and confidentiality concerns

When you input information into an AI tool, you may unknowingly disclose sensitive or confidential details. This can include:

• Personal information;
• Financial details; and
• Sensitive communications.

Consequences using of AI in legal services

It is clear there are many risks of using AI for legal advice or to prepare a dispute that may go before the courts and there are many potential consequences of relying on AI for legal services. It is important that people know when and how using AI could impact their potential legal matter.

The bottom line

Legal matters are rarely one-size-fits-all. AI cannot properly assess your individual situation or provide advice tailored to your needs. It also carries no professional responsibility or accountability for the outcomes of its responses.

There is growing recognition that while AI can assist with general information, it should not replace qualified legal advice.

AI can be a helpful starting point for general knowledge, but it is not a substitute for professional legal guidance.

If you’re dealing with a legal issue, particularly something as important as family law, property settlements, or contractual matters, seeking advice from an experienced lawyer remains essential.

Legal issues deserve careful consideration and trusted expertise. Our experienced lawyers are here to provide clear, tailored advice to protect your interests. If you need guidance, we encourage you to reach out to our team.



Get legal advice you can actually rely on.

If you need clear, accurate legal guidance, speak with the team at Kells. As a full‑service law firm, we provide practical advice tailored to your circumstances, so you understand exactly where you stand and the best course of action to take. With five offices across the Illawarra and an office in the Sydney CBD, wherever life is taking you, we’re ready to help you get there with confidence.