A Beaumont, Texas, attorney is under fire for relying on artificial intelligence to draft a legal filing, a decision that resulted in fabricated case citations and a $2,000 fine. Brandon Monk of the Monk Law Firm was sanctioned by Texas District Judge Marcia Crone and ordered to attend a class on the ethical use of AI in legal practice.
The filing, submitted in a wrongful termination lawsuit against Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, included citations to two nonexistent cases and unverifiable quotes. Judge Crone, in her ruling, made it clear that the issue was not merely technological failure but professional negligence. “Monk submitted the response without reading the cases cited or even confirming the existence or validity of the cases,” the judge wrote.
Monk admitted to using a generative AI tool to draft the document, trusting the software’s built-in verification feature. When it failed to flag the fabricated citations, Monk submitted the document without further review. The outcome has sparked a broader conversation about how lawyers integrate technology into their practice, particularly as artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT become more common.
The Trouble with AI in the Legal World
Monk’s case mirrors a growing trend of AI-related errors in the legal profession. In Colorado, a disciplinary judge recently approved the 90-day suspension of an attorney who used ChatGPT to draft a legal motion containing fabricated case citations. The attorney, Zachariah C. Crabill, relying entirely on the AI tool, failed to verify the citations before submission, leading to significant delays and damage to their credibility.
Crabill blamed an overwhelming workload, saying he was “stressed out to the max” when “it dawned on me: What if ChatGPT could do caseload research for me?” The Colorado case has drawn national attention for underscoring the risks of over-relying on generative AI tools without appropriate oversight.
These incidents are forcing the legal profession to grapple with the unintended consequences of adopting AI tools. While such technology offers the promise of faster drafting and research, its ability to produce fabricated information poses a significant risk. Courts nationwide are responding by updating rules to address these challenges, requiring lawyers to rigorously verify AI-generated content.
In July, the American Bar Association released a formal statement, saying in part, “With the ever-evolving use of technology by lawyers and courts, lawyers must be vigilant in complying with the Rules of Professional Conduct to ensure that lawyers are adhering to their ethical responsibilities and that clients are protected.”
The View from Clients: Proceed with Caution
For clients, incidents like Monk’s raise uncomfortable questions about how law firms handle sensitive cases and whether they can be trusted to use technology responsibly. A recent survey conducted by the managed IT service provider Integris found that many clients are wary of law firms that rely heavily on artificial intelligence. Concerns range from the accuracy of AI-generated work to the security of client data in an increasingly digital world.
The survey revealed that clients hesitate to work with firms that rely on outdated or unverified technologies. Many are willing to pay a premium for firms that prioritize cybersecurity and digital trust, reflecting a shift in how legal services are evaluated.
For more insights, you can read the full 2025 Integris Report: Law Firms, Cybersecurity, and AI: What Clients Realy Think.
Moving Forward: Lessons for Texas Lawyers
Monk’s case is a cautionary tale for Beaumont’s close-knit legal community and a reminder of the high stakes involved in every case. While AI tools may offer a competitive edge, their misuse can damage reputations and erode trust. Lawyers across Texas must consider not only the benefits of AI but also the risks, especially in a profession where precision is paramount.
Judge Crone’s ruling sends a clear message: Technology cannot replace professional judgment. Lawyers must take the time to verify their work, regardless of the tools they use. As the legal profession continues to adapt to a rapidly changing technological landscape, the Beaumont community will need to balance its traditional values with the demands of the digital age.
For Monk, the road to redemption begins with the court-ordered class on AI ethics—a small but significant step toward restoring confidence in his practice. For his colleagues in the region, his story serves as both a warning and an opportunity to reflect on how technology can best serve their clients and the courts.