The Law Society Tribunal has revoked the license of Sault Ste. Marie lawyer Timothy Harmar following findings of professional misconduct. the decision follows allegations that Harmar used AI to create fake case citations and continued to practice law while under administrative suspension.
The AI-generated 'hallucinations' in Timothy Harmar's court filings
Timothy Harmar admitted to using AI software to prepare court factums without verifying the resulting content by reading the actual cases. according to the report , a judge noted that the legal principles presented in one of Harmar's factums did not align with the actual findings of the real case cited, suggesting the AI had fabricated or "hallucinated" the legal reasoning.
This incident reflects a growing global trend of legal professionals falling victim to automation bias, where the perceived efficiency of Large Language Models (LLMs) overrides the fundamental duty of verification. Similar cases in other jurisdictions have highlighted how AI can invent plausible-sounding but entirely fictitious precedents, creating a significant risk to the integrity of the judicial process.
Practicing law during the April 2025 administrative suspension
The Law Society Tribunal found that Timothy Harmar engaged in professional misconduct by practicing law between April 28, 2025, and May 16, 2025, while he was under administrative suspension. As the Law Society Tribunal decision reported, this unauthorized practice was a key factor in the immediate stripping of his license to pracitce law.
The tribunal's decision emphasizes that administrative suspensions are not mere suggestions but mandatory halts to professional activity. By ignoring these restrictions, Timothy Harmar demonstrated a disregard for the regulatory framework designed to protect the public interest in Sault Ste. Marie and beyond.
The $4,292 penalty and failure to produce records
Beyond the AI and suspension issues, Timothy Harmar failed to cooperate with three separate Law Society investigations. between June 2025 and February 2026, Harmar did not produce requested information or books and records required under section 18 of By-Law 9, despite multiple requests from the regulatory body.
As a result of these failures, the tribunal ordered Timothy Harmar to pay costs of $4,292 to the Law Society by July 10, 2027. Furthermore, he faces an additional two-month suspension that will commence once any other current suspensions are lifted, provided he complies with the Guidelines for Lawyers Who Are Suspended.
Bill Leduc's allegations of missed hearings and undue delay
The case is further complicated by allegations from Sudbury city councillor Bill Leduc, who previously claimed that Timothy Harmar's conudct caused undue delay and unnecessary costs. Bill Leduc alleged that Harmar failed to attend confirmed court appearances and missed deadlines for filing required materials, while also providing a factum containing fictitious case law.
However, several specific details remain unverified. The tribunal decision does not explicitly state if the incident involving Bill Leduc was a direct catalyst for the current findings. Additionally, the report does not name the specific AI software Timothy Harmar used, nor does it clarify if any other clients were misled by fabricated citations in other active cases.
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