In a pending motion set for hearing on Dec. 28, Prakazrel “Pras” Michel—who is best known for being a rapper and member of the hip-hop group, Fugees—alleges his lawyer acted incompetently and violated his ethical obligations in part by using an artificial intelligence tool. Michel’s case illustrates the many ways counsel may run afoul of the attorney ethics rules by using AI tools in litigation if these tools are not used carefully and with appropriate disclosures.

Michel stood trial this year on charges of conspiracy, witness tampering, and acting as an agent of a foreign government, among other claims. His lawyer used an experimental generative AI software tool called EyeLevel.AI, in which the lawyer himself was an investor, to prepare closing argument. The jury convicted Michel on all counts.