Megan Stumph Discusses Ethical Use of AI in Missouri Lawyers Media Article

Baker Sterchi Member Megan Stumph is quoted in the Missouri Lawyers Media article “Hallucination-Laced Order Raises Alarm on AI Use by Courts” (subscription required).

The article examines concerns about AI-generated errors in a federal court order, including incorrect parties, unsupported allegations and nonexistent declarations. It also discusses the professional responsibilities governing attorneys’ use of generative AI and the need for clearer, more practical guidance.

Stumph, who previously presented a Lawline seminar on the ethical use of AI, explains that while existing ethics guidance identifies the professional rules implicated by AI, attorneys also need practical, platform-specific guidance and examples demonstrating how AI can be used for legal tasks such as trial preparation and brief analysis. She cautions that AI tools can still produce inaccurately named cases and misleading descriptions of legal holdings, making independent verification essential, even when using specialized subscription services.

Stumph also discusses how demanding caseloads and personal responsibilities may tempt legal professionals to rely too heavily on technology or unverified work prepared by others. She emphasizes that attorneys must remain diligent and not sacrifice accuracy for efficiency, particularly given their responsibilities to clients who have entrusted them with their cases.

Based in Baker Sterchi’s Kansas City office, Stumph focuses her practice on civil litigation, including creditors’ rights, financial services, real estate, construction and commercial litigation. She chairs the firm’s Financial Services and Real Estate Practice Groups and serves on the steering committees of ALFA International’s Business Litigation and Women’s Initiative Practice Groups. She is also the immediate past president and a current board member of the Earl E. O’Connor American Inn of Court. Stumph is licensed to practice in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska.