---
title: "List the documents the client asked for at the end of the matter"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/obligations/confidentiality-and-client-information/give-the-client-their-documents-on-request-when-the-engagement-ends-unle/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A51-MA20261022-9-US"
practice_area: "Confidentiality & client information"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# List the documents the client asked for at the end of the matter

> List each document the client's request names. Do not send the file and do not say a lien lets the firm keep it.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/obligations/confidentiality-and-client-information/give-the-client-their-documents-on-request-when-the-engagement-ends-unle/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Confidentiality & client information](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/confidentiality-and-client-information.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | List each document the client's request names. Do not send the file and do not say a lien lets the firm keep it. |
| What the lawyer must review | You decide what is delivered. No lien statute was opened, and no rule of professional conduct on retaining liens was opened, so do not say a lien is effective or that documents essential to a proceeding must be released. Model Rule 1.4(a)(4) requires you to comply promptly with reasonable requests for information. Model Rule 1.6 still applies to a delivery to someone other than the client. Formal Opinion 512 applies before the file is put into a tool to sort the request. Originals and copies are listed as the request describes them. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Give the client their documents on request when the engagement ends unless an effective lien applies](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/confidentiality-and-client-information/give-the-client-their-documents-on-request-when-the-engagement-ends-unle.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: List each document the client's request names. Do not send the file and do not say a lien lets the firm keep it.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- Do not invent a lien. None was opened.
- A request from a new lawyer is not, by itself, a request from the client.

## Sources

- [ABA Model Rule 1.4, Communications](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_4_communications/) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [ABA Model Rule 1.6, Confidentiality of Information](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_6_confidentiality_of_information/) (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.*