A class action suit has been filed against DoNotPay, an AI program that is marketed as a ‘robot lawyer’ which assists users in need of legal services, alleging it’s been practicing law without authorization. Chicago-based law firm, Edelson P.C., filed the suit on behalf of plaintiff Jonathan Faridian who claims to have used DoNotPay for several legal services, such as dispute resolution, and drafting of employment discrimination complaints, only to find the outcomes of the projects were not satisfactory. Edelson’s suit explains that DoNotPay has no law degree, is not bar certified in any jurisdiction, and does not have any licensed attorneys supervising its use.
DoNotPay is an organization which was founded in 2015 with the purpose of providing assistance to users in disputing parking tickets. Over the years, the company has grown and now offers many services such as helping users fight corporations, locating cash and even “suing anyone”. DoNotPay released a statement where they deny the accusation from Faridian and promised to defend itself vigorously.
Jonathan Faridian is a customer of DoNotPay who has used the services for several legal tasks. He claims to have been under the impression that he was getting legal documents drafted by a licensed attorney, only to find out later that the outcomes were not the expected ones. Faridian then filed the lawsuit with the help of Edelson P.C., which sparked the whole class action against the AI law firm.
Class Actions are becoming more and more common in the United States and other countries. They provide an effective means for seeking justice when a company or person cannot be held accountable for damages suffered. Class Actions give individuals with similar grievances a platform to join forces and seek compensation or change in policy when they cannot do it alone.
