Check that a client-facing tool follows the client's decisions on the objectives
Key facts
- Human involvement
- YellowClose supervision
- How AI is used
- From the tool's log and the retainer, list each step the tool took and whether the file contains the client's decision on the objective or a means the lawyer consulted the client about. Do not treat a prompt the tool generated as the client's decision.
- What the lawyer must review
- Model Rule 1.2(a) says the lawyer shall abide by the client's decisions concerning the objectives and shall consult the client as to the means. The lawyer may take action impliedly authorized to carry out the representation, and shall abide by a decision whether to settle. Formal Opinion 512 says the lawyer may not leave the tool to offer legal advice, negotiate a claim, or do other work that requires the lawyer's own judgment. The lawyer decides whether the step stands.
- Written for / version
- United States versionUS
Who does what
| Role | What they do |
|---|---|
| Assistance | Consider narrowly defined preparation support after confirming the tool’s capability and permitted scope. |
| Lawyer | Set the scope, supervise the work closely, verify every part relied on, resolve omissions and exceptions, and approve the exact output. |
Checklist
- Confirm the output against the client’s instructions and the complete relevant source material, including omissions or contradictions.
- Resolve exceptions and record the responsible lawyer’s approval of the exact output and intended use.