Accuracy and ethics: using AI responsibly in lawyers
The general rules are at the bottom of every page. Here is what they mean specifically for lawyers.
Confidentiality
Never paste client names, privileged communications or identifying facts into a consumer chatbot. Use firm-approved tools with no-training and data-retention terms, or de-identify first.
Verify every citation
Treat every case, statute and quote from a bot as unverified until you have pulled it from an official or citator source.
Candor to the tribunal
Rule 3.3 still applies. Check local rules and standing orders; some judges require disclosure of AI use in filings.
Not legal advice
This page is education for legal professionals, not legal advice. A licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction is responsible for the work.
A one-minute check before you use any bot output
- Did I put any personal or confidential data into a tool that isn't approved for it?
- Have I checked every fact, number, citation and quote against the original?
- Would I be comfortable explaining to my client, patient, employer or regulator how I used AI here?
- Am I, the responsible professional, signing off on this myself?
Accuracy and ethics, every time
- Confidentiality: never paste client, patient, student, employee or customer personal data (PII/PHI) into a public bot. Use tools your organization has approved, with contract terms that cover data use, or remove identifiers first.
- Verify everything: bots can invent citations, case law, statistics, doses, code sections and quotes that look real. Check each one against the original source before you rely on it.
- Not professional advice: these tutorials teach you how to use AI tools. They are not legal, medical, tax, financial or engineering advice.
- A human professional is responsible: the licensed or accountable person reviews, decides and signs. The bot drafts; you own the result.
- Prices change: we don't list product prices. Check each vendor's official pricing page.
Official sources for this section
- ABA Model Rule 1.1: Competence: including Comment 8 on technology
- ABA Model Rule 1.6: Confidentiality of Information: reasonable efforts to prevent disclosure
- ABA Formal Opinion 512: Generative AI Tools (PDF): July 2024
- ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct: full table of contents
- ABA news: first ethics guidance on AI tools: summary of Opinion 512
- Free Law Project / CourtListener: free case law search to check citations
Links checked Oct 30, 2026. Rules differ by state and country; follow your licensing body and employer policy.
AI for lawyers: section home → Next: Starter resources →