Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has advised newly admitted lawyers to be wary of relying too heavily on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their legal work.
This guidance was shared by Mr. Rabiu Garba, the NBA Bauchi State Chairman, during an orientation session for new lawyers held on Tuesday in Bauchi.
Garba emphasized that while AI can be convenient, it cannot substitute for the critical reasoning required in legal practice.
He warned that excessive dependence on AI risks undermining the profession’s ethical standards and integrity.
“Even in advanced nations, there’s a push to limit AI use in law. It’s often unreliable and may provide information irrelevant to legal contexts,” he stated, urging lawyers to prioritize Nigeria’s robust jurisprudence and legal resources.
The orientation program was designed to introduce new lawyers to the essentials of legal practice and support their professional development.
Garba noted that the NBA would continue such initiatives to foster members’ growth.
A former branch chairman, Mr. Lawal Hussein,shared a personal experience where AI provided inaccurate information, nearly leading to professional embarrassment.
“AI can be useful, but caution is key. Some lawyers have faced consequences for referencing fictitious AI-generated cases,” he cautioned.
Dr. Ibrahim Danjuma stressed the importance of ongoing legal education to maintain competence and relevance.
Similarly, Justice Muhyiddeen of the Bauchi State Sharia Court of Appeal and Ibrahim Umar, a former state Attorney General, encouraged the young lawyers to approach their careers with dedication, humility, and a commitment to seeking proper mentorship. (NAN)
