Written by Evan Pickworth
In the first edition of Business Law Focus 2026, host Evan Pickworth interviews Johan Steyn, human-centered AI advocate, thought leader, and founder of AIforBusiness.net.
There is a lot of talk and bravado about AI, but there are also genuine concerns, especially about lawyers who use AI as a shortcut rather than a support tool and do not verify the results. There are also obvious use cases in 2026 that cannot be ignored.
While national AI policy frameworks are being finalized, tighter controls and a better understanding of the currently accepted practical benefits are needed.
AI tools such as ChatGPT are increasingly used by lawyers to streamline investigations, produce documents and automate back-office processes, but Stein warns that over-reliance on unverified deliverables poses serious professional and ethical risks. A recent court case in South Africa highlighted these dangers, with a judge reprimanding a defense team that submitted a document containing fabricated case citations generated by an AI tool.
Stein discusses how these cases served as a wake-up call for the profession, emphasizing that while AI can assist in legal work, it cannot replace human judgment, accountability, and verification. We also explore international guidance from legal technology leaders such as LexisNexis and Thomson Reuters, highlighting transparency, data protection, and practitioner responsibility when using AI.
This conversation situates these concerns within South Africa’s current regulatory environment. There is no dedicated AI law, and lawyers must navigate a patchwork of laws such as POPIA and the Electronic Communications Transactions Act.
With the national AI policy framework still being finalized, Stein argues that law firms cannot afford to wait for regulations before implementing ethical safeguards.
Ultimately, this discussion highlights the need for responsible AI governance, continuous training, and a clear understanding of AI’s limitations. As Steyn points out, the future impact of AI on the legal system will depend not on the technology itself, but on how wisely and ethically it is used.
