Incident Tracker

Valu v Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (No 2) [2025] FedCFamC2G 95

referral

In one of Australia's first AI-citation cases, a solicitor before the Federal Circuit and Family Court cited non-existent Federal Court authorities and fabricated tribunal quotes generated by ChatGPT. Judge Skaros found the conduct fell short of competence and diligence standards and directed that it be referred to the NSW Office of the Legal Services Commissioner.

Date of decision/order

2025-01-31

Court

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)

Jurisdiction

AUSTRALIA

AI tool

ChatGPT

Conduct

A solicitor filed an application and submissions citing Federal Court authorities that do not exist and fabricated quotes from an Administrative Appeals Tribunal decision, generated with ChatGPT and not verified. Judge Skaros found the conduct fell short of the standards of competence and diligence expected of a legal practitioner.

Consequence

See outcome

Regulatory outcome

NSW Office of the Legal Services Commissioner: The Principal Registrar was directed to refer the solicitor's conduct to the NSW Office of the Legal Services Commissioner. (2025-01-31)