Perth lawyers are reportedly embracing the current AI caricature trend after discovering ChatGPT produces photos in which they appear “alert, symmetrical, and quite a bit hotter.”
The images – now circulating widely on Instagram from everyone over the age of 35 – present lawyers with clear skin, perfect teeth, and the quiet confidence of someone who has never cried because of a document management system.
“It’s still me,” one associate said, reviewing a caricature that looks like it drinks green juice and gets a solid eight hours. “It’s just … peak me.”
The real dilemma, insiders say, isn’t whether to use AI. It’s whether it’s finally time to retire that LinkedIn photo taken in 1997.
For decades, much of the profession has relied on a small archive of headshots taken in the late 90s, which arguably creates a false sense of vitality, optimism and energy.
“They’ve served us well,” one partner said. “But they do suggest I’m still using a fax, and it may well be misleading and deceptive conduct.”
Lawyers across Perth are now conducting quiet side-by-side comparisons: the AI caricature, a recent photo, or the 1997 corporate shot.
“It’s a tough call,” one practitioner admitted. “The old photo has youth and authority. The AI version has cheekbones, glowing skin and a distinct air of youthful vim. And the recent photo? Not a chance. I wouldn’t even use it on Hinge.”
Questions being considered include whether an AI image that removes visible exhaustion accumulated over 20 years of late nights constitutes misrepresentation, and whether clients might reasonably expect the same flawless jawline and perfectly white teeth in person.
One litigator described the issue as “purely aesthetic.”
“I didn’t change anything substantive,” they said. “The AI caricature just reduces the signs of professional trauma and makes it look like I’m professional yet fun.”
Adoption of AI caricatures on LinkedIn is reportedly accelerating, with lawyers updating profiles late at night and waiting to see if anyone notices.
“They notice,” one associate confirmed. “Then they go and generate theirs. I feel like if we all do it, then it’s much more acceptable. I mean, they say we should be learning to use AI for work, so why not?”
