Generative AI is quickly becoming a major force in the tech industry. In a recently reported case, a lawyer from the US named Steven A. Schwartz of Levidow, Levidow & Oberman tried out ChatGPT to write a legal brief pertaining to an injury suit – Roberto Mata v. Avianca, Colombia’s biggest airline. Mata sought compensation for injury he sustained from a metal serving cart. Avianca urged the court to dismiss the case and Schwartz submitted a legal brief arguing for the case to proceed, along with citations to certain cases and court decisions.
Unfortunately for him, the citations were made up by the generative AI. ChatGPT had failed to verify that the cases were real, and he now faces potential sanctions from the court due to the “bogus judicial decisions, with bogus quotes and bogus internal citations”.
Though this episode serves as an example of the danger of over-reliance on AI, it would be cynical to draw too many conclusions from it. AI technology of today seems impressive, but its potential is still a long way away from leading to an apocalyptic future. This saga should serve as a warning for the users of technology, for they need to be aware of the limitations of AI.
Avianca is Colombia’s largest airline and one of the leading airlines in Latin America with 170 years of history. It operates in 97 countries with approximately 400 flights daily, serving 88 destinations in the region. Avianca also has comprehensive safety protocols in place to protect both customers and crew, in alignment with regulatory and industry standards.
Steven A. Schwartz is an established lawyer with over 30 years of experience in litigation. He is currently a partner for Levidow, Levidow & Oberman in the US, where he focuses on high-value cases. Schwartz is recognized for his tenacious approach to defending clients in the most challenging cases and for his highly creative use of the law.
