Check that client papers a tool holds are surrendered when the representation ends
Key facts
- Human involvement
- YellowClose supervision
- How AI is used
- From the request and the file list, list the papers and property the tool holds and the date of the request. Do not delete or send them.
- What the lawyer must review
- Model Rule 1.16(d) says that upon termination the lawyer shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, protect the client's interests, including surrendering papers and property to which the client is entitled and refunding any advance of fee or expense that has not been earned or incurred. The lawyer may retain papers relating to the client to the extent permitted by other law. Comment 9 says papers may be retained as security for a fee only to the extent permitted by law. Rule 1.15(d) requires prompt delivery of funds or other property that the client or third person is entitled to receive. The lawyer decides what is delivered and what is retained.
- 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.