Artificial intelligence is becoming the go-to tool for quick answers on everything. But when it comes to legal advice and the law, relying on AI has significant risks. Legal expert and attorney, Danielle Mayoras, talks with CBS News about the risks, mistakes she has seen, and what users need to know before they rely on AI for legal advice.
Legal Expert and Attorney, Danielle Mayoras, Talks with CBS News About the Risks of Using AI for Legal Advice:
Why AI Isn’t Always Reliable for Legal Questions
Unlike traditional search engines, like Google, AI tools generate answers without clearly showing their sources. This makes it difficult to verify whether the information is up-to-date with the latest laws, complies with the laws in your state, and is relevant to your specific situation. You often cannot discern the author, date, or credibility of the sources that AI is relying on for its answer.
What Are the Real Risks of Using AI for Legal Advice?
Using AI for legal guidance can lead to serious consequences if the information is wrong or incomplete. Oftentimes, these mistakes may not be fixable. And of course, when it comes to legal issues, the stakes are often high. Some of the risks include missing court deadlines and the right to file a claim in court, procedural misinformation for court cases, and the creation of inaccurate legal documents like a will, trust, contract, or purchase agreement that may not be legally valid. Even small errors can have major consequences.
Is AI Legal Advice Confidential and Private?
Many users assume AI searches are private, but a recent case says otherwise. Unlike sharing information with your attorney, there is no attorney-client privilege when you use Atificial Intelligence sources like ChatGPT or Claude. Sensitive information entered into these tools could potentially be stored or used in a case against you.
Is It Safe To Use AI for Legal Questions?
AI can be useful as a starting point for a general understanding, but it should never be used to replace advice from a qualified attorney who understands your specific situation and local laws. Many people use the wrong prompts for legal issues and do not receive accurate legal information. Keep in mind that there are nuances in the law and underlying facts in a case can greatly impact a situation under the law.
AI is a powerful tool, but legal issues require precision, expertise, and up-to-date knowledge. When you rely on AI and choose not to consult an attorney that specializes in the area of law that impacts you, you run a significant risk that you may regret. Taking the extra step to consult with a good attorney can save time, money, and protect your legal interests.
Where can you get legal help and find more legal tips and information to help you and your loved ones?
You can find more of Danielle’s tips and lessons for you and your loved ones in her book,blog, tv segments, and website. You can also contact Danielle for legal help and information, a tv appearance, or speaking event here.
DISCLAIMER: Nothing should be relied on as legal advice. The information contained herein does not create an attorney/client relationship. The information posted is intended for general information purposes only. Laws vary state by state. Anyone seeking legal advice for a specific situation should consult a qualified attorney or similar qualified professional in the appropriate state.
Danielle Mayoras is an on-camera legal expert, attorney, author, and keynote speaker. As a respected media source, she has lent her expertise and analysis to hundreds of media sources, including The Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, ABC News, The Wall Street Journal, Vanity Fair, People, Forbes, Kiplinger, The Washington Post, Huffington Post, among many others. She has appeared on Access Hollywood, the Rachael Ray Show, The Insider, CNN, CNN International, NBC Nightly News, Forbes, The Hallmark Channel, ABC’s Live Well Network, CBS, FOX, PBS, and NBC affiliates. Danielle also serves as a legal analyst for CBS News Detroit.
In addition to co-authoring the best-selling book Trial & Heirs: Famous Fortune Fights!, Danielle has been a contributor to Forbes and other outlets. Danielle has also appeared as a TV host and legal expert on multiple celebrity documentaries for the REELZ Channel. When not doing media, Danielle helps clients in her thriving law firm and serves as a keynote speaker delighting audiences across the country.
Danielle Mayoras is an on-camera legal expert, attorney, author, and keynote speaker. As a respected media source, she has lent her expertise and analysis to hundreds of media sources, including The Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, ABC News, The Wall Street Journal, Vanity Fair, People, Forbes, Kiplinger, The Washington Post, Huffington Post, among many others. She has appeared on Access Hollywood, the Rachael Ray Show, The Insider, CNN, CNN International, NBC Nightly News, Forbes, The Hallmark Channel, ABC’s Live Well Network, CBS, FOX, PBS, and NBC affiliates. Danielle also serves as a legal analyst for CBS News Detroit.
In addition to co-authoring the best-selling book Trial & Heirs: Famous Fortune Fights!, Danielle has been a contributor to Forbes and other outlets. Danielle has also appeared as a TV host and legal expert on multiple celebrity documentaries for the REELZ Channel. When not doing media, Danielle helps clients in her thriving law firm and serves as a keynote speaker delighting audiences across the country.
