---
title: "Decide whether a public legal information tool may be switched on"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/obligations/client-facing-and-access-to-justice-ai-tools/decide-whether-a-public-legal-information-tool-may-be-switched-on/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A43-JU20261022-7-US"
practice_area: "Client-facing & access-to-justice AI tools"
tier: "red"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Decide whether a public legal information tool may be switched on

> From the screening note, the filing-order check, the consent screen and the vendor-contract review, list items that are still unresolved. Do not write the decision or the reasons.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/obligations/client-facing-and-access-to-justice-ai-tools/decide-whether-a-public-legal-information-tool-may-be-switched-on/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 | Red: Lawyer writes; AI may check, clarify or collect data |
| How AI is used | From the screening note, the filing-order check, the consent screen and the vendor-contract review, list items that are still unresolved. Do not write the decision or the reasons. |
| What the lawyer must review | The lawyer writes the decision and the reasons. Formal Opinion 512 says the lawyer remains fully responsible and may not leave legal advice to the tool alone. Model Rule 1.1 requires competent representation, including the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary. Model Rule 5.5(a) forbids assisting another to practice in violation of the jurisdiction's regulation of the profession. The lawyer names the practitioner who remains responsible. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Decide whether a public legal information tool may be switched on](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/client-facing-and-access-to-justice-ai-tools/decide-whether-a-public-legal-information-tool-may-be-switched-on.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: From the screening note, the filing-order check, the consent screen and the vendor-contract review, list items that are still unresolved. Do not write the decision or the reasons.
- 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.
- The opinion says the amount of independent review depends on the tool and the task. It does not set one checklist for every tool.

## Sources

- [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)
- [ABA Model Rule 1.1, Competence](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_1_competence/) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [ABA Model Rule 5.5, Unauthorized practice of law](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_5_5_unauthorized_practice_of_law_multijurisdictional_practice_of_law/) (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.*