---
title: "Check that a client-facing tool follows the client's decisions on the objectives"
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/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A43-JU20261022-15-US"
practice_area: "Client-facing & access-to-justice AI tools"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Check that a client-facing tool follows the client's decisions on the objectives

> 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.…

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/united-states  
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 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 | United States |
| Applies to | [Check that a client-facing tool acts only on the client's instructions](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.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: 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.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- The text opened is the ABA Model Rule. The rule adopted in the lawyer's jurisdiction controls where it differs.
- Rule 1.2(d) forbids counselling or assisting conduct the lawyer knows is criminal or fraudulent. The lawyer applies that limit. A prompt generated by the tool is not the client's decision.

## Sources

- [ABA Model Rule 1.2, Scope of representation](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_2_scope_of_representation_allocation_of_authority_between_client_lawyer/) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [ABA Formal Opinion 512, Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools (29 July 2024)](https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/professional_responsibility/ethics-opinions/aba-formal-opinion-512.pdf) (checked 2026-10-22)

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