AI as an attorney? Student uses ChatGPT, Gemini to sue UW (www.kuow.org)

Stanley Zhong, a high-achieving student, is taking legal action against the University of Washington (UW) and the University of California system, alleging racial discrimination in their college admission processes. Despite his impressive qualifications—a 4.42 GPA, a 1590 SAT score, and accolades in coding competitions—Zhong was rejected by 16 of the 18 schools he applied to. Unable to find a lawyer willing to take up his case against the deep-pocketed universities, he turned to artificial intelligence tools ChatGPT and Gemini to assist in drafting legal arguments and documents, claiming their capabilities are on par with top lawyers. This case is significant for the AI/ML community as it showcases the potential of AI as a legal resource, challenging conventional norms within the legal field. Zhong's reliance on AI raises questions about the role of technology in law and access to justice, especially for individuals without the means to hire attorneys. While he acknowledges that AI can make errors, he has used it to find mistakes in UW's filings, illustrating both the benefits and pitfalls of integrating AI into legal processes. As Zhong prepares for a federal court hearing, the outcome could set a precedent for how AI is utilized within legal contexts, particularly for individuals challenging large institutions.