Self-filed lawsuits have increased from a long-term average of 11% to nearly 17% by the end of 2025, based on millions of administrative records. The increase excludes self-filings by incarcerated people. The rise appears linked to widely available, low-cost AI chatbots that generate court documents and provide legal assistance. Pro se representation remains an important part of the legal system, often chosen due to financial barriers rather than abuse. However, pro se cases still consume court time and attention. If courts cannot manage the spike in AI-assisted filings, case processing could slow dramatically or effectively halt.
"“There's a tradeoff here,” Shah told WaPo. Self-representation - referred to as “pro se” in legalese - is an important part of our legal system. While there have historically been plenty of litigious cranks and known local bozos who have used and abused the court system by way of chaotic self-filings, the overwhelming majority of those who opt to represent themselves in court do so out of need, often due to financial roadblocks."
"“But like any other legal fight that makes its way to a court docket, these cases take up time and attention - and if courts find themselves unable to manage the spike in AI-powered suits, Shah told the newspaper, they “will basically have to grind to a halt.”"
"“Every system that has decreased cost to entry from AI,” Shah added, “should”"
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