---
title: "Check that client documents a tool holds are returned when asked"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/obligations/client-facing-and-access-to-justice-ai-tools/check-that-client-documents-a-tool-holds-are-returned-when-asked"
type: "task"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A43-JU20261022-25"
practice_area: "Client-facing & access-to-justice AI tools"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Check that client documents a tool holds are returned when asked

> From the request and the file list, list the client documents the tool holds and the date of the request. Do not delete or send the documents.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/obligations/client-facing-and-access-to-justice-ai-tools/check-that-client-documents-a-tool-holds-are-returned-when-asked  
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 request and the file list, list the client documents the tool holds and the date of the request. Do not delete or send the documents. |
| What the lawyer must review | The lawyer decides which documents are client documents, whether a lien is effective, and when they are given. |
| Written for / versions | 1 jurisdiction versions below |

## Checking plan

**Source-by-source verification**

On request after the engagement ends, client documents, or copies if they are electronic, are given as soon as reasonably possible, unless there is an effective lien. Destruction is not before 7 years, unless instructions or a legal obligation say otherwise.

- What the AI does: From the request and the file list, list the client documents the tool holds and the date of the request. Do not delete or send the documents.
- What the lawyer does: The lawyer decides which documents are client documents, whether a lien is effective, and when they are given.
- 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. On completion or termination, the client or former client, or another person authorised by the client or former client, is given any client documents, or copies if they are electronic, as soon as reasonably possible when requested, unless there is an effective lien.
2. A solicitor or law practice may destroy client documents after 7 years have elapsed since the completion or termination of the engagement, except where there are client instructions or legal obligations to the contrary.
3. The lawyer decides whether a document is a client document and whether any lien is effective. Rule 15, on the same compilation, deals with a lien over documents essential to current proceedings. The lawyer applies it where a lien is claimed.
4. Nothing is deleted or sent until the lawyer has decided.

## 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-client-documents-a-tool-holds-are-returned-when-asked/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.*