By Jordan Lee
Los Angeles, CA – September 15, 2025
A California state court sent a strong message. It fined a lawyer $10,000. The reason? He used AI to make fake quotes in court briefs. The court called it a warning. Lawyers must check their work. AI can trick them if they do not.
The case happened in the Second District Court of Appeal. It is in Los Angeles. The lawyer is Steven Ford. He works in Pacific Palisades. Ford filed an appeal. It was against some law firms. He said they broke RICO laws. RICO means racketeering. It fights organized crime.
Ford wrote the opening brief. Then he added a reply brief. Both had problems. They cited cases that did not exist. The quotes were made up. The court found many errors. At least six fake cases. The quotes sounded real. But they were not.
The judges looked close. They could not find the cases in any database. Like Westlaw or Lexis. They knew AI did it. Tools like ChatGPT make “hallucinations.” That means fake facts. Ford admitted it later. He said he used AI to help. But he did not verify.
The court ruled on September 12. They said the appeal was frivolous. That means it wasted time. It had no good basis. The fake quotes made it worse. The judges sanctioned Ford. They fined him $10,000. They also reported him to the State Bar. The bar might suspend him. Or worse.
Judge Judith Ashby wrote the opinion. She said, “This is an apparent first in California.” No state appellate court did this before. She called it a warning to all lawyers. “AI is powerful. But it can lie. Lawyers must read every word.” The court wants no more mistakes.
Ford’s appeal was about a lawsuit. He sued Knight Law Group. And Altman Law Group. Also Wirtz Law. He claimed they cheated him. The lower court dismissed it. Ford appealed. But his briefs fell apart.
Opposing lawyers spotted the fakes. They checked the cases. Nothing matched. They told the court. The judges ordered Ford to explain. He swore under oath. He used AI. Like Grok or GPT models. He thought it was fine. But he skipped checks.
This is not the first time. In 2023, federal judges fined lawyers. They used ChatGPT for fake cases. One firm paid $5,000. In New York. Another in 2024. Missouri fined $10,000 too. But that was a pro se litigant. Not a lawyer.
California courts worry now. They see more AI use. The State Bar made rules. Lawyers must say if they use AI. And check facts. Training is required. Many firms teach it. But some lawyers rush.
Experts say this changes law. AI saves time. It drafts fast. But risks are high. Fake facts hurt justice. Clients lose trust. Courts waste hours.
The fine goes to the opponents. It pays their fees. About $10,000 for reviews. Ford must pay soon. Or face more trouble.
Ford feels bad. In a statement, he said sorry. “I learned my lesson. I will verify all now.” His firm is small. This hurts his name.
The case is Ford v. Knight Law Group. No number yet. It is unpublished. But it sets a tone. Other courts watch.
Bar leaders spoke out. The California Bar President said, “Ethics first. AI is a tool. Not a boss.” They plan more guides. For AI in briefs.
Law schools teach this too. At UCLA and USC. Classes on AI ethics. Students learn to spot fakes.
This ruling pushes change. Lawyers adapt. They use AI smart. With human checks. The court hopes no more fines. But warns they will come.
Clients ask now. “Did you use AI?” Lawyers must be honest. Trust is key.
The legal world grows tech. But basics stay. Truth in every word. This fine reminds all.
What next? More cases like this. As AI spreads. Courts stay firm. They protect the law.
Ford’s appeal is over. It got dismissed. He pays the fine. And thinks twice next time.
This story shows risks. AI helps. But fools no one. Courts see through.
Lawyers nationwide note it. California leads. Others follow.
The warning is clear. Use AI right. Or pay the price.