Avoiding Modern Ethical Mishaps: How To Develop a Strong Firm AI Policy

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept — it’s here, and law firms are using it whether they have a policy in place or not. From contract drafting and legal research to litigation support and client communication, AI is transforming the way lawyers practice. But with this rapid adoption comes critical ethical considerations, compliance risks, and the need for clear firm policies to ensure responsible use.

In this engaging and practical program, attorneys will gain insight into the real-world applications of AI in law, the ethical challenges that come with its use, and the evolving guidance from bar associations and regulatory bodies. We will explore key ethics rules, confidentiality concerns, and the risks that arise when AI-generated content is used in legal matters. Attendees will also learn when AI use must be disclosed to clients and how to mitigate potential malpractice risks.

Beyond the ethical considerations, this program provides actionable steps for law firms to develop their own AI policies. We will break down the essential components of a well-structured policy, discuss how firms can implement AI safely and effectively, and provide a roadmap for staying compliant with the latest bar opinions. Whether your firm is already using AI or just beginning to explore its capabilities, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the intersection of technology and ethics with confidence.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify how AI is currently being used in the legal industry and its impact on legal work, including contract review, e-discovery, legal research, and predictive analytics
• Examine the ethical challenges associated with AI, including confidentiality concerns, unauthorized practice of law risks, and the duty to supervise technology
• Understand the latest ABA and state bar guidance on AI in legal practice and when disclosure to clients is required
• Learn the key components of an AI policy for law firms, including guidelines for responsible AI adoption, risk management strategies, and compliance best practices

Topics covered include:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Law Firm ManagementLegal EthicsLegal Tech

Agenda:

• Introduction & Overview
  • Overview of generative AI
  • What it is (and isn’t)
  • Current tools (ChatGPT, CoPilot, Gemini), and how they function
  • Definitions and examples relevant to legal practice


• How AI Is Being Used in Law Firms
  • Expanded overview of AI use cases across the legal industry:
    • Legal research & analytics
    • Contract review & drafting
    • E-discovery & litigation support
    • Virtual assistants & client intake
    • Billing models, ADR/mediation, compliance, and IP monitoring


• Ethical Guidance From the ABA and State Bars
  • Review of recent ethics opinions (ABA, FL, PA, NY, CA, etc.)
  • Discussion on evolving bar association positions and key takeaways from each


• Confidentiality, Data Security & AI Risks
  • Discussion of Model Rule 1.6 implications
  • Real-world confidentiality issues with AI tools, risk assessments, and protective measures
  • What to redact, how to use hypotheticals, and the importance of secure platforms


• Applying Ethics Rules to AI Usage
  • Deeper dive into how Model Rules apply:
    • Rule 1.1 (Competence)
    • Rule 3.3 (Candor to Tribunal)
    • Rule 8.4 (Conduct & Misrepresentation)
    • Rule 1.5 (Billing & Fees)
    • Rules 5.1 & 5.3 (Supervision & Nonlawyer Oversight)
    • Rule 1.4 (Client Communication & Disclosure)


• Core Components of an AI Policy
  • Overview of what a strong AI policy should include:
    • Competency standards
    • Confidentiality protections
    • Supervision and oversight
    • Platform vetting and approval
    • Transparency and disclosure
    • Billing and audit controls


• Step-by-Step: Developing and Implementing an AI Policy
  • Concrete steps for building your firm’s AI policy:
    • Choose an AI committee
    • Approve platforms
    • Define permitted uses
    • Address security
    • Billing practices
    • Oversight processes
    • Client disclosure
    • Policy audits
    • Training and enforcement


• Questions & Answers (as time permits)

Duration of this webinar:60 minutes

When:Premieres in 20 days | September 26, 2025 10:00 AM PT