Overview
Functions and limits at a glance
This comparison is published by Anwalt GURU and is not an independent product test. It covers first orientation and preparation for questions about German, Austrian and Swiss law. An individual legal assessment and representation require a separate professional service; an English interface does not make this a guide to UK or US law.
ChatGPT & Co.
- ○ General explanations and drafting help
- ○ Web search with source links is available
- ○ Check jurisdiction and whether information is current
- ○ Errors and invented references are possible
- ○ Does not provide a lawyer’s advice or representation
- ○ Features and costs depend on the offer
Anwalt GURU
- ○ Initial AI orientation for your legal question
- ○ Linked legal sources to read yourself
- ○ A case document for facts and open questions
- ○ Errors and unsuitable interpretations are possible
- ○ Does not provide a lawyer’s advice or representation
- ○ Lawyer search for your next step
Traditional Lawyer
- ○ Individual review of your circumstances
- ○ Legal assessment and options for action
- ○ Advice on deadlines, risks and next steps
- ○ Professional duties and responsibility
- ○ Agree fees and availability before instructing
- ○ Representation within the agreed mandate
ChatGPT and other generic AI
Explanations, drafts and research as a starting point.
ChatGPT can explain terms and help draft text. ChatGPT Search can search the web and link to sources. OpenAI explains that mistakes and fabricated references remain possible. A plausible answer is not enough to establish the legal position in your case. This also applies to specialised legal AI.
Three questions to ask about an AI answer
- Does the source exist? Open the statute or decision and compare the answer with the original.
- Does it fit your case? Check the jurisdiction, legal topic, date and actual circumstances.
- What is missing? Note unclear deadlines, missing documents and questions for professional help.
Use AI answers as a working starting point. Have important deadlines and decisions reviewed by a professional.
The traditional lawyer
A lawyer can review your individual case, advise you and represent you within the agreed mandate.
When to seek legal help promptly
Seek legal help promptly if you are sued, face criminal allegations, have a deadline approaching or risk significant financial consequences. Important contracts and unclear claims may also need professional review. In urgent cases, do not wait for an AI response or a completed case document.
Anwalt GURU — The specialized legal AI
Initial AI orientation and an organised case for your next step.
Describe your legal problem in your own words. Anwalt GURU helps with initial AI orientation and shows linked statutes and decisions to read. You can prepare a case document from your information: what happened, which documents you have and what you need to clarify. Check it for accuracy and completeness before taking it, along with the originals, to a lawyer. Your lawyer assesses the case independently.
Source links help you check
A source link lets you read the original. It does not guarantee complete research or correct application to your circumstances. Anwalt GURU can make mistakes and does not replace a lawyer’s advice.
Decision guide
What can you prepare — and what needs professional review?
Initial orientation and professional legal review serve different purposes.
Anwalt GURU can help with
- ✓ Getting initial AI orientation for your problem
- ✓ Understanding legal terms and questions
- ✓ Preparing for a lawyer consultation
- ✓ Finding a matching specialist lawyer
- ✓ Organising facts and open questions
- ✓ Everyday legal questions (tenancy, employment, consumer law)
Legal help is particularly important when
- → You need to go to court or are being sued
- → You face a deadline or significant consequences
- → You need an important contract reviewed
- → You face criminal charges
- → You need legal representation
- → The other party already has a lawyer
These examples can help you choose your next step:
General curiosity
"What is tenancy law?"
One option: An AI explanation as a starting point; check its sources
A concrete problem
Initial orientation, preparation for a lawyer appointment
Recommendation: Anwalt GURU
Find a specialist lawyer
Search for the right specialist near you
Recommendation: Anwalt GURU
Court proceedings
High-value disputes, criminal law
Recommendation: Seek legal help directly
Your next step: You can start with free initial AI orientation and organise your case. Contact a lawyer for an individual legal assessment and representation.
The strategy
Get prepared: From your legal problem to a lawyer consultation
Turn your information into a clear account of events and specific questions.
The smart way
Understand first, then walk in prepared.
Describe your problem
Include the country, events, people involved and important dates. You can ask your first question for free.
Check your case document
Organise the facts, documents and open questions. Compare the summary with your originals.
Meet your lawyer prepared
Take your case document and originals. Agree the scope of advice and fees before instructing the lawyer.
In Germany, the fee for a first consultation for a consumer without a fee agreement is capped at EUR 190 net (section 34 RVG), plus VAT and any applicable expenses. A fee agreement may set a different price. A case document can structure the conversation; it does not guarantee lower fees. This German rule does not apply to Austria or Switzerland.