---
title: "Check that a client-facing tool acts only on the client's instructions"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/obligations/client-facing-and-access-to-justice-ai-tools/check-that-a-client-facing-tool-acts-only-on-the-client-s-instructions"
type: "task"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A43-JU20261022-15"
practice_area: "Client-facing & access-to-justice AI tools"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Check that a client-facing tool acts only on the client's instructions

> From the tool's log and the retainer, list each step the tool took and whether the file contains an instruction from the client for that step. Do not treat a prompt the tool generated as the client's instruction.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/obligations/client-facing-and-access-to-justice-ai-tools/check-that-a-client-facing-tool-acts-only-on-the-client-s-instructions  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Client-facing & access-to-justice AI tools](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/client-facing-and-access-to-justice-ai-tools.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | From the tool's log and the retainer, list each step the tool took and whether the file contains an instruction from the client for that step. Do not treat a prompt the tool generated as the client's instruction. |
| What the lawyer must review | The lawyer decides whether the instruction was the client's, and whether it was lawful, proper and competent, before the step stands. |
| Written for / versions | 1 jurisdiction versions below |

## Checking plan

**Source-by-source verification**

Match each step to a client instruction. The lawyer decides whether the instruction can be followed.

- What the AI does: From the tool's log and the retainer, list each step the tool took and whether the file contains an instruction from the client for that step. Do not treat a prompt the tool generated as the client's instruction.
- What the lawyer does: The lawyer decides whether the instruction was the client's, and whether it was lawful, proper and competent, before the step stands.
- Who reviews: Responsible lawyer with competence in the matter
- Basis: Practical workflow informed by the linked primary sources; the traffic light and working checks are editorial guidance, not a court classification.
- Why: The level reflects what the work is, the consequence of an error, and how much of the output the lawyer must independently re-derive.

## Checks the lawyer makes

1. A solicitor must only accept and follow a client's lawful, proper and competent instructions.
2. A step with no instruction on the file is listed for the lawyer. It is not treated as authorised.
3. The lawyer decides whether the instruction is lawful, proper and competent.
4. The tool's own suggestion is not the instruction.

## Notes

- These are suggested working checks. Confirm the required checking with the responsible lawyer before work starts; the checking approach does not establish permission to use AI.

## Sources

- [Legal Profession Uniform Law Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules 2015 (NSW)](https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/sl-2015-0244) (checked 2026-10-22)

## Jurisdiction versions

| Jurisdiction | Level |
| --- | --- |
| [United States](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/client-facing-and-access-to-justice-ai-tools/check-that-a-client-facing-tool-acts-only-on-the-client-s-instructions/united-states.md) | Yellow |

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*