OK, but most defendants do have the option of representing themselves, right? I know, it's an abysmally foolish thing to do, but it is allowed, right? Even for the cases with serious charges involved.

And most defendants who choose to represent themselves probably haven't passed the bar exam. (If they had, they'd likely know what a stupid idea it is.)

So what's the difference between having "an AI lawyer represent you", and choosing to represent yourself while checking a fancy legal AI app on your phone? Aside from the fact that most courts ban phones and internet-connected devices in the courtroom as a matter of privacy, I mean.

Until such time as AI is officially recognized as people (which is a whole other can of worms) this fancy legal AI is just an app on my phone and I'm representing myself. If we assume the general limitation of using one's phone is lifted, why should my app need to pass the bar?