“But I Wore the Lemon Juice”: AI, Confidence, Confidentiality, and the Novel Risks Facing In-House Counsel

Abstract

Contemporary lessons for international in-house counsel can emerge from strange places. In 1995, two Pittsburgh bank robbers applied lemon juice to their faces, confidently believing it would blur their appearance on the security cameras. The incident inspired an academic study exploring the relationship between competence and confidence, and serves as a useful metaphor for the risks of misplaced confidence for AI tools in legal work This article examines the resulting challenges for in-house counsel, including overreliance on AI-generated output, unintended disclosure of confidential information, and the potential erosion of critical thinking skills, particularly among junior staff. While AI can enhance legal department efficiency, its use requires careful governance, contextual judgment, and continued human accountability.