It began as a relatively routine family law case involving divorce proceedings. Instead, it became what could turn out to be a watershed moment for Australia’s legal system. A Victorian solicitor submitted what appeared to be convincing citations, only to discover they were entirely fabricated by an AI chatbot.

The fallout was severe.

Justice Amanda Humphreys and her associates could find no trace of the cited cases. The solicitor admitted the list was generated by an AI tool, used without verification. He offered an unconditional apology and committed to “take the lessons learned to heart”. Nonetheless, the matter was referred to the Victorian Legal Services Board.

By August 19, regulators had intervened. The lawyer lost his ability to practise as a principal, was banned from managing

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