Artificial intelligence can help organise legal research or prepare a first draft. It can also suggest a plausible citation that corresponds to no real decision. For a lawyer, the issue is the reliability of what is presented to a client or a court.
The documented case of Jonathan David Sheppard v Jillion LLC, before the Qatar Financial Centre Civil and Commercial Court, illustrates the problem. This analysis separates a foreign judgment from practical research suggestions for readers in Morocco.
The documented case of Jonathan David Sheppard v Jillion LLC, before the Qatar Financial Centre Civil and Commercial Court, illustrates the problem. This analysis separates a foreign judgment from practical research suggestions for readers in Morocco.
What the judgment of 12 November 2025 says
In [2025] QIC (E) 3, the defendant’s lawyer cited two non-existent cases. When questioned by the Registry, he referred to digital research and apologised. The Court nevertheless rejected the suggestion that his conduct was inadvertent and found contempt of court and a breach of its rules.
The order imposes no penal sanction and the lawyer was anonymised. Describing it simply as an unintentional research mistake punished with a warning would be inaccurate. The official judgment explains these distinctions.
The order imposes no penal sanction and the lawyer was anonymised. Describing it simply as an unintentional research mistake punished with a warning would be inaccurate. The official judgment explains these distinctions.
A convincing citation is not a verified source
A structured answer, court name and precise date do not authenticate a reference. A suggested method is to find the full text, identify the court, confirm the date and read the passage relied on.
Existence and relevance are separate questions. A real judgment may concern another jurisdiction or situation. Keep the source link and explain its connection to the file instead of copying only a summary.
Existence and relevance are separate questions. A real judgment may concern another jurisdiction or situation. Keep the source link and explain its connection to the file instead of copying only a summary.
The framework published by QICDRC in January 2026
On 6 January 2026, QICDRC announced a direction and guidance on AI use before its Court and Regulatory Tribunal. It stresses independent verification, representatives’ responsibility and confidentiality. Its statement also says confidential or protected information must not be entered into publicly available AI tools.
This framework concerns those jurisdictions. It does not, on its own, create rules for all Moroccan proceedings, but provides a comparison when reviewing research practices.
This framework concerns those jurisdictions. It does not, on its own, create rules for all Moroccan proceedings, but provides a comparison when reviewing research practices.
A method for AI-assisted research
Separate generating leads, checking sources and writing the analysis. Mark unconfirmed leads clearly. If the original text is unavailable, state that limitation rather than presenting the reference as established.
Keep the documents actually consulted and the passages used. For collaborative work, identify who performs the final check. This helps prevent a draft from circulating as though it had already been validated.
Keep the documents actually consulted and the passages used. For collaborative work, identify who performs the final check. This helps prevent a draft from circulating as though it had already been validated.
Confidentiality and information sent to tools
Ask what data is transmitted, who can access it, how long it is kept and whether it may be reused. Party names, correspondence and file documents may require particular care.
Removing a name alone does not ensure a person cannot be identified. Present the terms of use and relevant documents to the firm to examine the digital and technology law questions raised by your circumstances.
Removing a name alone does not ensure a person cannot be identified. Present the terms of use and relevant documents to the firm to examine the digital and technology law questions raised by your circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Is an AI citation enough for a file?
It is a lead to verify. Find and read the source before relying on it.
Does the QFC judgment prohibit all AI use?
No. It concerns fictitious authorities and the conduct examined in that case. The later framework regulates use before the relevant jurisdictions.
Does it determine a lawyer’s liability in Morocco?
No. Moroccan rules and the circumstances of the matter require a separate examination.
It is a lead to verify. Find and read the source before relying on it.
Does the QFC judgment prohibit all AI use?
No. It concerns fictitious authorities and the conduct examined in that case. The later framework regulates use before the relevant jurisdictions.
Does it determine a lawyer’s liability in Morocco?
No. Moroccan rules and the circumstances of the matter require a separate examination.
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Sources and resources
QICDRC, Sheppard v Jillion LLC, [2025] QIC (E) 3, 12 November 2025 · QICDRC, AI direction and guidance, 6 January 2026.
Translation dated 12 October 2026. General information; each matter depends on its facts and applicable framework.
Translation dated 12 October 2026. General information; each matter depends on its facts and applicable framework.
