DoNotPay, the self-proclaimed “robot lawyer” that uses artificial intelligence to assist consumers, is facing a new lawsuit alleging that the company is practicing law without a license. The lawsuit was filed by Edelson, a prominent plaintiffs’ law firm based in Chicago, on behalf of a California resident who claimed that DoNotPay provided “substandard and poorly done” legal services. In response, DoNotPay’s CEO Joshua Browder stated on Twitter that the claims have “no merit” and that the plaintiff has had “dozens of successful consumer rights cases with DoNotPay.”
Browder founded DoNotPay in 2015 with a focus on tasks such as fighting parking tickets, and the company has since expanded to include some legal services. However, Edelson claims that the company’s conduct violates California’s unfair competition law and seeks a court order declaring its actions unlawful, as well as unspecified damages.
The case raises questions about the use of artificial intelligence in the legal industry and whether companies like DoNotPay are engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. The promise of generative artificial intelligence tools for applications such as legal work has gained steam with the rise of AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT in recent months. However, the lawsuit against DoNotPay suggests that there may be legal and ethical implications to consider when using AI in the legal industry.
DoNotPay’s legal troubles also highlight the tension between traditional law firms and new legal technology companies. In a tweet, Browder claimed that Edelson and lawyers like him “enrich themselves through class actions with little benefit to consumers,” while Edelson accused DoNotPay of trying to distract from their misconduct.
The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for DoNotPay and other companies using AI in the legal industry. It remains to be seen whether the court will rule in favor of Edelson or DoNotPay, but the case underscores the need for clear regulations and ethical guidelines for the use of AI in the legal industry.
