In today’s rapidly evolving legal landscape, artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Lexis+ AI, and CoCounsel are transforming how law firms operate. While these technologies offer tremendous benefits in efficiency and innovation, they also present unique challenges for legal professionals bound by strict ethical obligations.
At our firm, we’ve developed a comprehensive AI Usage Policy to harness the potential of these powerful tools while maintaining the highest standards of client service, confidentiality, and professional responsibility. Here’s how we’re navigating this new frontier:
Understanding the Purpose of AI in Legal Practice
Our AI policy begins with a clear statement of purpose: AI tools are valuable resources to enhance our efficiency and capabilities, but they will never replace the professional judgment and expertise of our attorneys. This foundational principle guides all our AI implementation decisions.
AI serves as an assistant, not a substitute. The human element—our attorneys’ expertise, judgment, and ethical considerations—remains at the core of our practice.
When to Use AI (And When Not To)
✅ Approved Use Cases (With Review)
We’ve identified several areas where AI can significantly improve our workflow:
- Drafting internal memos, outlines, or first drafts of contracts: AI can quickly generate initial drafts that our attorneys then refine and customize.
- Brainstorming arguments or organizing legal issues: AI tools excel at offering different perspectives and helping structure complex legal concepts.
- Summarizing non-confidential legal documents: AI can efficiently process and synthesize lengthy documents, saving valuable attorney time.
🚫 Prohibited Uses (Unless Explicitly Approved)
However, there are clear boundaries we don’t cross without specific protocols in place:
- Entering client-identifying or confidential data into AI tools: Client confidentiality remains paramount and won’t be compromised for convenience.
- Using AI to produce final client-facing work without review: Every AI-generated document undergoes thorough human review before reaching clients.
- Submitting AI-generated content in court filings without human verification and disclosure: Court submissions require meticulous verification and appropriate disclosure when AI has been used substantially in the drafting process.
Transparency Through Disclosure
Transparency builds trust—both within our firm and with our clients and the courts. Our disclosure requirements ensure everyone involved understands when and how AI has contributed to our work:
- Internal documentation: We maintain records of all AI use in client matters.
- Internal disclosure: Attorneys must inform supervising partners when AI has been used substantially in client work.
- External disclosure: We disclose AI use to clients and courts when:
- AI-generated content is used verbatim
- It influences substantive legal advice
- Court rules require such disclosure
This approach ensures accountability while normalizing the appropriate use of these powerful tools.
Protecting Client Data in the AI Era
Data privacy and security concerns are heightened when using AI tools. Our policy addresses these concerns head-on:
- We only use firm-approved AI tools that demonstrate robust security practices.
- Sensitive or client-identifying information is never input into external AI systems unless:
- The system guarantees no data retention
- We’ve secured explicit client consent
- The AI system is hosted locally or secured under contract with our firm
These safeguards ensure we leverage AI without compromising our ethical obligation to protect client information.
The Irreplaceable Role of Human Oversight
Perhaps the most critical element of our policy is the emphasis on human oversight. While AI tools can draft, summarize, and analyze, they cannot replace the professional judgment of an experienced attorney.
- Every AI output undergoes thorough review by a licensed attorney before use.
- The human lawyer using the tool bears ultimate responsibility for the work product.
This approach ensures we benefit from AI’s capabilities while maintaining the quality and integrity our clients expect.
Building AI Competence Through Training
As with any powerful tool, proper training is essential. Our policy requires all staff using AI tools to complete basic training covering:
- Appropriate use cases and limitations
- Recognizing and addressing AI hallucinations and verification techniques
- Understanding and mitigating confidentiality risks
By investing in our team’s AI literacy, we ensure these tools enhance rather than compromise our practice.
Moving Forward Together
The integration of AI into legal practice represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. Our AI Usage Policy provides a framework that allows us to embrace innovation while upholding our professional obligations.
As AI technology continues to evolve, so too will our approach. We remain committed to thoughtful adoption, rigorous oversight, and open communication about how these tools support our mission to provide exceptional legal services.
We welcome your thoughts and questions about our approach to AI in legal practice. Together, we can navigate this new frontier in a way that benefits our clients while preserving the core values of our profession.