---
title: "Legal AI ethics: a practical guide for small firms"
url: https://thematteros.com/resources/legal-ai-ethics-guide
updated: 2026-10-17
author: Raghav Handa
---

# Legal AI ethics: a practical guide for small firms

Lawyers using generative AI remain bound by their existing duties: competence, confidentiality, supervision, honesty to courts and reasonable fees. The American Bar Association addressed these in Formal Opinion 512, issued in July 2024, and many bars have issued their own guidance. Rules differ by jurisdiction, so check the ones that apply to you.

## Key takeaways

- Existing professional duties apply to AI use; there is no exemption.
- ABA Formal Opinion 512 (July 2024) is a useful starting point, not your local rule.
- Read each tool's terms on data use before client information goes in.
- Write a short firm policy and review it as tools change.

## The duties that matter

| Duty | What it means with AI |
| --- | --- |
| Competence | Understand what the tool can and cannot do, and verify its output |
| Confidentiality | Know where client data goes, who can access it and whether it is used for training |
| Supervision | Set rules for staff and review their AI-assisted work as you would any delegated work |
| Candour to tribunals | Never present unverified citations or facts |
| Communication | Consider whether to tell clients you use AI, and obtain consent if your rules require it |
| Fees | Charge reasonably; think about how AI efficiency should be reflected |

This table summarises themes found in many professional rules and in guidance such as ABA Formal Opinion 512. It is general information, not legal advice. The exact obligations depend on where you are admitted.


## A short firm AI checklist

1. List the tools you use and the plan or terms for each.
2. Decide what client data may be entered and what may not.
3. Prefer anonymised or redacted inputs.
4. Require verification of every citation and fact.
5. Record who reviewed AI-assisted work.
6. Decide your approach to telling clients.
7. Review the policy at least once a year.

- Security and where data lives: https://thematteros.com/security
- Structure first, then AI: https://thematteros.com/blog/ai-for-small-law-firms-structure-first
- Legal research with AI: https://thematteros.com/resources/legal-research-ai-guide


## What a template can and cannot do for you

MatterOS is a Notion template. It does not host your data or provide security controls of its own; those come from Notion and from the AI tools you choose. What the template provides is structure: you can see what is on a matter, decide what to share and keep a record of reviews.

Local rules, court practice directions and client engagement terms may add requirements. Check your own jurisdiction's guidance and, where in doubt, ask your bar's ethics helpline.


## FAQ

### What is ABA Formal Opinion 512?

An opinion from the American Bar Association on lawyers' use of generative AI, issued in July 2024. It discusses duties such as competence and confidentiality.

### Does it apply to me?

It is guidance from a US national body. Your own jurisdiction's rules and guidance govern you, so check those.

### Do I need client consent to use AI?

It depends on the rules where you practise, the tool and the information involved. Check your jurisdiction's guidance.

### Do I need a firm AI policy?

A short written policy is a sensible way to set expectations on tools, data, verification and review.