When AI Lies in Court: What Mike Lindell’s Legal Trouble Can Teach You About Choosing the Right Lawyer
What happens when a lawyer brings fake information into court? Can you really get in trouble if your lawyer messes up like that? A recent case involving MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell and former Dominion Voting Systems executive Eric Coomer is a perfect example of how things can go seriously wrong—and fast.
Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what every consumer should learn from it.
The Case: Eric Coomer vs. Mike Lindell
Eric Coomer filed a defamation lawsuit against Mike Lindell. Lindell had made repeated claims that Coomer helped rig the 2020 election—claims that were completely unsupported and damaging to Coomer’s reputation.
That’s the part of the case made headlines. But what really shocked the legal world was what happened after the lawsuit was filed—when Lindell’s legal team submitted documents to the court that included fake legal citations, apparently generated by artificial intelligence.
The AI Problem: Fake Legal Citations in Real Court, Again
The Judge identified “nearly thirty defective citations” in a brief submitted by Lindell’s attorneys, and they weren’t mere minor errors. The court found:
1. Citations to cases that “do not exist”
2. Legal principles attributed to decisions that contain no such language
3. Cases from one jurisdiction falsely labeled as being from another
4. Misquotes of actual legal authorities
Lindell’s lawyers relied on AI to help write parts of the legal brief. They either intentionally entered the false information generated by AI into their case, or they didn’t bother checking their work.
Any legal student is aware of the serious consequences of filing false citations. For seasoned lawyers to present false information in any case is inexcusable, but in high profile case like this is complete professional malpractice. But as we have reported the same issue has been happening with greater frequency.
Lindell’s attorneys are facing disciplinary actions from the judge in the case. They may include:
1. Fines
2. Court orders rejecting your legal arguments
3. Even referrals to the state bar, which can lead to lawyers being suspended or disbarred
While AI can be helpful, it’s not a replacement for doing the hard work of real legal research. In fact, AI sometimes generates fake information that looks real. This is called a “hallucination”—and it’s dangerous in a courtroom.
Lying to a Judge
Submitting fake information—whether it’s made up by a human or by AI—is a serious offense in any court. Judges rely on lawyers to be truthful and accurate. When that trust is broken, there can be harsh consequences.
The Consequences May Not Be Limited to Your Lawyer
Clients are responsible for the lawyers they hire. If your lawyer submits false information, the court may assume you were part of it—or at least, that you didn’t do your due diligence. In civil cases, like defamation or contract disputes, this can lead to:
- Losing your case entirely
- Being ordered to pay the other side’s legal fees
- Damage to your personal or business reputation
- Delays and increased legal costs
- In extreme cases, courts might even refer clients for criminal investigation if they suspect intentional fraud.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself from Lazy Lawyers
Most people will never be involved in a high-profile defamation case. But anyone can find themselves in court—whether it’s a business dispute, a personal injury case, or a landlord-tenant conflict.
1. Hire a lawyer who has experience, has a solid reputation and will do the hard work to research and cite the law correctly.
2. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask your attorney how they’re preparing your case. A good lawyer won’t rely on AI alone.
3. Review what’s filed. You don’t need a law degree to ask for a copy of any court documents your lawyer submits. If something doesn’t look right, ask.
4. Stay involved. Remember, you are responsible for your own case. Don’t “set it and forget it.”
Conclusion
The Mike Lindell case is another warning: AI can be helpful, but it’s not always trustworthy—and it can’t replace a real, hardworking attorney. When false information is submitted to a court, it can ruin your case and damage your reputation, not just your attorneys.
If you’re ever facing a civil lawsuit—or need to bring one—make sure your lawyer plays by the rules. The courtroom is not the place for shortcuts, fake citations, or AI gone wild.
