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ARTICLE · 15 APRIL 2026

Don’t Let Your Lawyer’s AI Problem Become Yours

Ward and Smith, P.A
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On March 10, 2026, a federal prosecutor with thirty years of experience stood before a magistrate judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina and announced his resignation.

United StatesTechnology
Lance P. Martin
Lance P. Martin
Michael Weaver
Michael Weaver

On March 10, 2026, a federal prosecutor with thirty years of experience stood before a magistrate judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina and announced his resignation.

His offense? He had used artificial intelligence to draft a brief, filed it without adequate review, and it contained fabricated quotations and misrepresented case holdings. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Numbers was not moved by his explanation and told the prosecutor that taking shortcuts on basic work was outrageous. The time-saving allure of AI ended a long career – to say nothing of the damage it may have done to the case and the Government’s credibility.

It’s Wednesday. There Must Be Another Lawyer AI Blunder.

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