Validation Mindset: Why Verification Is Non‑Negotiable

In legal practice, “plausible” is not good enough. AI output must be verified against authoritative sources before use in advice, filings, or client communication.

{{UPLOAD_ASSET:validation_workflow_flowchart.png}}

Key takeaways

• Verification is mandatory for anything beyond low-stakes drafting.
• Treat AI output like a junior draft: helpful, not authoritative.
• Document your validation steps for defensibility.

Your baseline rule

Never rely on an AI-generated citation, quote, or factual claim without checking it. Verification is faster than fixing sanctions.

A defensible workflow

1. Generate a draft with the model.
2. Extract every factual claim/citation into a checklist.
3. Verify using primary sources (cases/statutes) and trusted secondary sources.
4. Revise the draft with corrected citations and tightened reasoning.
5. Keep a record of what you checked (for defensibility).

When to stop using the model

If the model repeatedly invents citations, refuses to follow constraints, or cannot stay within a jurisdiction, stop and switch to traditional research tools or a retrieval system that uses a vetted database.

Reference example

Example of why verification matters: Mata v. Avianca (S.D.N.Y. June 22, 2023).