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June 9th, 2023
Lawyers Blame ChatGPT For Tricking Them Into Citing Bogus Case Law
Litigation Partners Tyler Maulsby and Ronald C. Minkoff, and Litigation Associate Ashley Alger are mentioned in articles published by ABC News, Bloomberg News, Courthouse News Service, Law360, Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, New York Law Journal, and The New York Post. Tyler is quoted in the article, "Lawyer Who Cited Bogus Legal Opinions From ChatGPT Pleads AI Ignorance," published by Courthouse News Service. The article discusses attorney Steven Schwartz's court filings which included fake case citations generated by ChatGPT. Arguing that Mr. Schwartz had not acted in bad faith, Tyler is quoted saying, “There has to be actual knowledge that Mr. Schwartz knew he was providing bad cases ... or that ChatGPT would be providing bad cases."
Read the full Courthouse News Service article here.
Ron is quoted in the article, "‘I Failed Miserably’: Lawyer Who Used ChatGPT in Brief Explains Fake Cases to Judge," published by Bloomberg News. The article discusses Steven Schwartz's embarrassment over the ChatGPT invented cases he cited in a case brief. Ron is quoted saying, "the case is 'schadenfreude for any lawyer,' because lawyers have historically had difficulties with new technology.” Ron adds, "the public embarrassment they've been exposed to is deterrent enough."
Read the full Bloomberg News article here. (Behind Paywall)
Ron is quoted in the article, "Humiliated’ NY lawyer who used ChatGPT for ‘bogus’ court doc profusely apologizes," published by The New York Post. The article discusses Schwartz's recent hearing in which he profusely apologized to the judge over the mishap. Ron is quoted saying, "There was no intention[al] misconduct here. This was the result of ignorance and carelessness. It was not intentional and certainly not in bad faith.”
Read the full The New York Post article here.
Other Quoted
In a Data-Obsessed World, Attorneys Welcome Privacy Law Specialization
The Los Angeles Times quotes Daniel M. Goldberg on the California State Bar’s decision to offer a specialization in privacy law. Mr. Goldberg stated that the area of privacy regulation has been exploding with growth, with California on the forefront —driving a need for designating leaders in the field. “‘The law is very complex. But on top of the law being complex, the specialization really requires a level of technical expertise. The law talks all about measures that companies need to take with respect to collection, use, disclosure of data and opting out. But if you don’t understand how the technology works or how the ecosystem works, then it’s an area that would be very, very difficult for you,’ he said.”
“He added, ‘One thing about privacy law is that you also have to be an expert on what’s going on in the news, the latest changes and whether it has to do with ad-tech platforms or AI. If you’re not up with the latest changes, you’re going to fall behind very quickly.’”
Mr. Goldberg emphasized California's pioneering role in privacy regulation. He referenced the state’s passing “the first comprehensive privacy law (the California Privacy Act or CCPA) in 2018, which he said catalyzed the creation of similar laws across other states and established California as the national leader in privacy legislation.” He noted the state had also been a leader in enforcement, citing activity of the Attorney General’s office and the California Privacy Protection Agency’s multiple enforcement actions.
Mr. Goldberg also explained why data privacy is an increasing legal practice at law firms: “‘It’s incredibly lucrative just because it’s such a broad area. It really is a subject matter expertise that goes in so many different subcategories of practices, and so almost every firm now has to have a privacy expert.'" View Article
June 26 2025
Legal, Regulatory Woes Could Mark New Era for Influencers
Hannah E. Taylor is quoted in FTCWatch on class actions against influencers and the brands they represent. Such lawsuits alleging deceptive advertising are now seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. Ms. Taylor discussed this trend and commented on the FTC’s position, the NAD’s increased attention to influencer marketing, the responsibility of brands, and AI tools used to monitor content. View Article. (Subscription required)
June 24 2025
An Influencer Gained Followers as She Documented Her Weight Loss. Then She Revealed She Was on a GLP-1
Hannah E. Taylor is quoted in The Wall Street Journal about social media influencer Janelle Rohner, who shared her weight loss progression with diet and lifestyle tips, selling a paid course on nutrition. When Ms. Rohner posted she was taking a medication used for weight reduction and diabetes, her critics questioned her the legality of her advertising and e-commerce. The article stated, “Hannah Taylor, deputy managing partner and a partner in the advertising, marketing and public relations group at law firm Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, said proving an influencer acted fraudulently is a high bar because many jurisdictions require showing that the defendant had an intent to deceive. False advertising is typically easier to prove. Taylor said if someone had purchased the course believing that it led to Rohner’s weight loss, when in fact the medicine was the cause, that could be a material omission that could subject the influencer to false advertising liability.” View article.
May 30 2025