Generative AI is a game-changing technology – but it also comes with ethical risks for attorneys and law firms. Developing an AI policy for your law firm is now crucial and involves addressing ethical considerations and ensuring compliance with legal standards while leveraging the benefits of AI.
This CLE explores the ethical, practical and regulatory implications of integrating artificial intelligence into legal practice. It covers core technologies like machine learning and generative AI, their application in law firms and the ethical responsibilities attorneys under the ABA Model Rules and various state bar ethics opinions. Attorneys will learn how to assess confidentiality risks, ensure transparency in billing, combat AI bias and develop firm-wide AI policies that uphold professional conduct and client trust.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Identify key AI technologies used in legal practice and their core functions.
2. Understand the ethical rules and responsibilities triggered by AI use, including competence, confidentiality, and candor.
3. Evaluate the risks of AI bias, misinformation, and data security breaches.
4. Develop a compliant AI policy aligned with ABA Model Rules and state bar guidance.
5. Communicate transparently with clients about AI use and its implications for fees, privacy, and case strategy.
Desire’e Martinelli is an attorney and the Director of Marketing & Analytics of Esquire Interactive LLC. Jeff Lantz is an attorney, entrepreneur, and the CEO of Esquire Interactive LLC, an interactive digital marketing agency for attorneys and law firms.