Let’s be honest. When you’re facing a legal issue, your first instinct might be to Google it. And now, with artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT just a few clicks away, it’s easier than ever to get quick answers to complex questions. But before you rely on AI to help you navigate a personal injury claim or criminal charge, there’s something important you should understand:
AI is not a lawyer. (We know, that’s shocking. But stay with us.)
While artificial intelligence can be incredibly helpful for understanding legal topics, it has clear limits, especially when it comes to giving actual legal advice. If you’re wondering what AI can and can’t do when it comes to the law, here’s a breakdown to help you avoid common pitfalls.
AI Can Summarize the Law, But It Can’t Apply It to You
One of the biggest misconceptions about AI tools is that they can analyze your specific situation and tell you what to do. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.
AI can give you a general overview of laws, like what “comparative negligence” means in a car accident case or how bail works in a criminal case. But it doesn’t know the facts of your case, your history, the other party’s behavior, or the local court’s tendencies. All of those things matter a lot.
Legal outcomes often hinge on small details. That’s why real-life attorneys ask so many questions. They’re not being nosy, they’re building context. AI, on the other hand, can’t dig deep or tailor the law to your specific circumstances.
Legal Information Is Not the Same as Legal Advice
This one’s worth repeating. Legal information is not legal advice.
If AI tells you that shoplifting under $500 is usually a misdemeanor in your state, that’s legal information. But if you ask, “Should I plead guilty to shoplifting?” and expect a yes-or-no answer, that’s legal advice. And AI can’t, and shouldn’t, give that to you.
Only a licensed attorney who understands your situation and local laws can give legal advice. Relying on AI for this can lead you down the wrong path. And in legal situations, that path can have serious consequences.
AI Isn’t Updated in Real Time
Laws change. Court rulings come out. New legislation gets passed. Meanwhile, AI models are only trained on information available up to a certain point in time.
That means the AI tool you’re chatting with might be using outdated laws or referencing procedures that no longer apply. This is especially risky if you’re dealing with something time-sensitive, like a court deadline or a fast-evolving area of law.
If you’re relying on AI to help you understand a legal process, always double-check the information with a qualified attorney or official source. Don’t bet your case on an outdated answer.
AI Doesn’t Understand Legal Strategy
Legal decisions are about more than just the law. Timing, negotiation, courtroom personalities, and even local politics can all play a role. A good attorney knows the law and how to use it.
AI doesn’t understand nuance. It can’t weigh risks, anticipate what the other side might do, or make judgment calls based on how a particular judge tends to rule. That kind of strategy is what separates a good legal outcome from a bad one.
So while AI might suggest a general approach, it lacks the human insight necessary to choose the best one for your specific case.
What You Can Use AI For
Okay, so we’ve gone over what AI can’t do. But let’s not throw the robot out with the bathwater. When used responsibly, AI can be a helpful companion during your legal journey. Here are a few ways it can support you:
1. Basic Understanding of Legal Terms
Confused by “statute of limitations”? Not sure what “premises liability” means? AI is great for defining terms in plain English so you’re not completely lost in legal lingo.
2. Preparing Questions to Ask Your Attorney
Sometimes, the hardest part of meeting with a lawyer is knowing what to ask. AI can help you think through your situation and generate a list of useful questions to bring to your consultation. That way, you make the most of your time and money.
3. Reviewing General Legal Processes
AI can walk you through the basics of how a personal injury lawsuit works or what to expect at an arraignment. This can reduce anxiety and help you feel more informed, especially if this is your first encounter with the legal system.
Bottom Line: AI Is a Tool, Not a Lawyer
Think of AI like a digital legal encyclopedia. It’s handy, informative, and fast. But it doesn’t replace the real thing. When your freedom, finances, or future are on the line, you need personalized guidance from someone who understands the law and how it applies to you.
So yes, ask AI your questions. Just make sure you’re also asking the right people, like an experienced attorney, when it matters most.
Need help navigating a legal situation? Whether it’s a car accident, criminal charge, or something in between, our firm is here to listen, support, and fight for you. We put clients first, always. Reach out today for a free consultation.
Call Glassman and Zissimopulos and our team of dedicated attorneys today. (352) 505-4515 or Toll-Free at (844) 787-2543. When you call, you will speak directly with a lawyer. This is our commitment to you.