Generative artificial intelligence and new legal technologies were a major part of 2025. Here, we take a look back at the top 10 updates.
Artificial intelligence (AI) exploded across the legal profession in 2025, with both good and bad results.
For some lawyers, this meant disciplinary action for using AI inappropriately. For others, it meant revolutionising the way they practice law and deliver services to clients.
Here are the top 10 AI and legal technology stories in 2025:
1. First-ever Aussie lawyer sanctioned for AI use
A Victorian lawyer has made Australian legal history – for all the wrong reasons – by becoming the first practitioner to face professional sanctions for using AI in court.
2. Melbourne firm busted using AI-fabricated citations
A Melbourne law firm was caught using citations in court documents that were fabricated by generative AI (GenAI).
3. Solicitor, 2 counsel referred to regulator for AI use
A South Australian solicitor and two Victoria-based counsel have been referred to their respective legal regulators for relying on material that was prepared by AI.
4. AI discrimination lawsuit against Workday extends to collective action
A lawsuit containing allegations that HR platform Workday’s AI recruitment tools had discriminatory impacts on applicants will now move forward as a nationwide collective action.
5. Clayton Utz the latest BigLaw firm to onboard Harvey
BigLaw firm Clayton Utz has partnered with AI tool Harvey for firm-wide use.
6. Judge rips lawyer for submitting AI-generated material in murder trial
Lawyers representing a boy accused of murder have come under fire from a Melbourne judge for submitting AI-generated documents riddled with errors and misleading information.
7. Reprimand for principal lawyer for using AI in estate litigation
The principal of a Victorian boutique firm was reprimanded for breaching the Supreme Court’s guidance on the use of GenAI in litigation.
8. AI ban in NSW courtrooms bends to pressure
With just under a week before the NSW Supreme Court’s GenAI ban comes into effect, the Chief Justice has issued an amendment that has addressed some criticism raised by the state’s legal practitioners.
9. ChatGPT blunder sees lawyer referred to regulator
A lawyer has been referred to a disciplinary regulator for filing two documents that relied on “non-existent” citations and quotes.
10. A Clifford Chance partner on how AI has transformed the legal workforce
At the inaugural Australian Law Forum, a BigLaw partner discusses the disruptive force of automation in legal practice.
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
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