Chief Justice Warns 41 Newly Sworn-In Lawyers About AI Risks

Forty-one new lawyers were sworn in to the Mauritian Bar at a formal ceremony presided over by the Chief Justice, who used the occasion to deliver a pointed warning about the growing use of artificial intelligence in the legal profession. The ceremony, known in Mauritius as the "prestation de serment" (oath-taking), marks the official entry of newly qualified advocates into legal practice. It is traditionally held before the Supreme Court and presided over by the head of the judiciary. **A Warning From the Top of the Bench** Addressing the 41 newly admitted lawyers, the Chief Justice urged caution when using AI-powered tools — such as automated legal research platforms or AI-generated document drafting software — that have become increasingly popular in law firms around the world. While the full text of her remarks was not published, the thrust of her message was clear: artificial intelligence can assist lawyers, but it cannot replace the rigorous, independent legal reasoning that the profession demands. New entrants to the Bar, she implied, must build their skills on solid foundations rather than outsourcing their judgment to algorithms. This concern is not unique to Mauritius. Courts internationally have seen cases where lawyers submitted AI-generated briefs containing fabricated case citations — so-called "hallucinations" produced by large language models. The consequences have ranged from professional embarrassment to disciplinary proceedings. **What This Means for Mauritius's Legal Profession** Mauritius has a dual legal system that draws on both English common law and French civil law traditions, making the work of advocates particularly nuanced. The Supreme Court of Mauritius operates as the highest court, and lawyers admitted to the Bar are expected to practise to the highest professional and ethical standards. For the 41 new lawyers entering this environment, the Chief Justice's warning carries real weight. It signals that the judiciary is paying attention to how AI is reshaping legal work — and that the courts will hold lawyers accountable for the accuracy and integrity of what they submit, regardless of whether a human or a machine produced the first draft. The legal profession in Mauritius is regulated by the Law Practitioners Act, and advocates are bound by strict codes of conduct. Submitting inaccurate or unverified material — whether AI-generated or not — can have serious professional consequences. **A Growing Debate** The Chief Justice's intervention reflects a wider conversation happening across the legal world. Bar associations in the United Kingdom, France, and the United States have all begun issuing guidance on the responsible use of AI in legal practice. Mauritius's senior judiciary is now signalling that local lawyers need to engage with this debate proactively. For the newly sworn-in advocates, the message at the start of their careers is simple: use the tools available to you, but never stop thinking for yourself. Source: Le Défi Media