This man used AI to impersonate a lawyer
What's the story
Nathan Chambers, a resident of South Carolina, is facing accusations of impersonating a lawyer and allegedly using artificial intelligence (AI) to create false legal documents. The Post and Courier, a local newspaper, reported that Chambers used his father's name to pose as an authentic attorney. He even represented real clients in various courts. During a contempt hearing this week, Judge Danny Singleton raised doubts about Chambers' use of AI in drafting legal documents.
Regret expressed
Chambers expresses regret, denies AI accusations
Chambers declined to comment on the accusations of using AI for drafting legal documents. However, he expressed remorse for his actions, stating, "I never meant to cause the court any trouble." Previously, Chambers had appeared in Singleton's courtroom not as a defendant but as an alleged attorney representing another individual. He was listed as a contract paralegal in South Carolina, a title with no specific requirements in the state.
Firm's stand
Law firm distances itself amid AI fraud allegations
Truluck Thomason, the law firm where Chambers's father was employed, has distanced itself from both men amid the ongoing investigation. Devon Puriefoy, a partner at Truluck Thomason, told The Post that Chambers attempted to access his father's laptop to use Lexis+ AI, an "AI Legal Assistant" developed by LexisNexis. However, he failed in his attempt and did not use the firm's Lexis account. It's also uncertain whether Chambers' father, a real attorney, was aware of the situation.
Past deceptions
Chambers' history of false claims unearthed
Chambers has a history of making false claims about himself. He once claimed on LinkedIn to have a degree in biochemistry from the University of California at Berkeley, which has no record of him. In 2022, he was also charged with impersonating a sheriff's deputy. Judge Singleton expressed disappointment during the contempt hearing, stating, "It's disingenuous to the attorneys that took the time to go to law school...when you come in and want to be a cheat. It's a shame."