In a groundbreaking ruling, UK Judge Victoria Sharp has cautioned lawyers against relying on AI tools like ChatGPT for legal research. She emphasized that these generative AI technologies can produce seemingly plausible yet ultimately inaccurate outputs, potentially posing serious risks to the administration of justice. Sharp cited two recent court cases where lawyers used fabricated case citations generated by AI during proceedings, underscoring the need for careful scrutiny and adherence to established legal procedures. The judge warned that failing to adhere to professional ethics and using AI without proper verification could have severe consequences, including public admonishment or even police referral. The decision comes amidst growing concerns about the misuse of AI in legal research as lawyers increasingly utilize these tools for their work. Judge Sharp’s ruling urges barristers to review their ethical obligations when using AI and calls on professional bodies like the Bar Council and Law Society to take proactive steps to address this emerging challenge.