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AI-generated false information represents one of the most significant risks facing all working professionals today. However, unlike other fields where minor inaccuracies might be inconvenient, legal research demands absolute precision. A single incorrect citation or misrepresented case holding can undermine an entire argument, damage a lawyer's credibility, and potentially result in judicial sanctions.
As AI tools become more common in legal research, so do the risks of citation errors; some obvious, others dangerously subtle. Understanding these pitfalls is essential not just for avoiding mistakes, but for recognizing where trusted safeguards like Shepard’s can make all the difference.
AI-generated errors manifests in three distinct and increasingly sophisticated ways, each presenting unique challenges for legal professionals who must navigate this new technological landscape while maintaining the highest standards of professional responsibility.
Shepard’s is the gold standard legal citation service that has provided coverage of “good law” in the U.S. since 1873, as generations of law students have been taught, they need to ShepardizeTM all cites. This fundamental principle of legal research has become even more critical in the 2020s with the emergence of AI tools to expedite legal research.
Today’s legal professionals need to Shepardize all AI-powered legal research to be sure they are testing the accuracy of their legal research against the most comprehensive editorial analysis of case law, statutes, regulations and administrative decisions.
Recognizing these critical challenges, LexisNexis recently rolled out two important enhancements to its renowned Shepard's Citations Service, specifically designed to address AI inaccuracy risks and build trust in legal research technology.
These improvements represent a comprehensive approach to ensuring that legal professionals can confidently rely on AI-assisted research while maintaining the rigorous standards their profession demands:
Shepard’s "At Risk" alerts are now directly integrated into LexisNexis Protégé, our advanced legal AI assistant. Lexis+ AI® users now see the distinctive orange indicator when a case may be at risk. Lexis+ AI places the At Risk signal on cases that have positively or neutrally cited a case for a point of law that was later overruled or abrogated by a third case. This signal gives the user a warning that the case they are relying on has been undermined because it relies on a decision that has been overruled or abrogated. These alerts include brief narratives explaining why the case is flagged, enabling legal professionals to make informed decisions about whether to rely on the authority and how to address potential weaknesses in their analysis.
Building on this foundation, LexisNexis incorporates "At Risk" alerts to search results lists throughout the Lexis+ AI platform. This enhancement ensures that users can immediately identify potentially problematic cases without having to open individual documents nor conduct separate verification searches. Visual indicators provide an immediate warning system that helps lawyers prioritize their research efforts and focus additional attention on cases that may require more careful analysis.
The legal profession's relationship with AI technology will continue to evolve, but the fundamental principles of accuracy, verification and professional responsibility remain constant. The Shepard's Citations Service focuses specifically on ensuring that no links are provided to unverified citations, creating a crucial barrier between AI-generated content and the authoritative legal sources that lawyers depend upon for their work. This approach recognizes that while AI can dramatically improve research efficiency, the ultimate responsibility for verification and validation remains with the legal professional.
Users should only trust linked citations in their search results, treating these connections as the starting point for, rather than the conclusion of, their research process. This creates a double-verification process where AI assists in identifying potentially relevant authorities, but human judgment and professional expertise remain essential for confirming accuracy and relevance. Every linked citation must be thoroughly vetted and verified before use in legal documents, court filings or client advice.
Ultimately, the lawyer remains the professional with the knowledge necessary to validate every piece of legal research used in practice.
Existing Lexis+ AI customers can access Shepard’s directly within the platform. Legal professionals interested in obtaining access to Shepard’s can request a free 2-day trial of Lexis+ AI and look for Shepard’s Citations Service on the platform.