---
title: "List what a departing lawyer proposes to copy"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/obligations/confidentiality-and-client-information/work-out-what-a-departing-solicitor-may-copy-from-client-files/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A51-MA20261022-6-US"
practice_area: "Confidentiality & client information"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# List what a departing lawyer proposes to copy

> List each category of document the departing lawyer proposes to copy. Do not approve the copying and do not say what the lawyer may use later.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/obligations/confidentiality-and-client-information/work-out-what-a-departing-solicitor-may-copy-from-client-files/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 category of document the departing lawyer proposes to copy. Do not approve the copying and do not say what the lawyer may use later. |
| What the lawyer must review | You decide what may be copied. Model Rule 1.6(a) bars revelation of information relating to the representation unless the client gives informed consent, the disclosure is impliedly authorized to carry out the representation, or paragraph (b) permits it. A copy that leaves with a departing lawyer can be a revelation. Rule 1.9 was not opened, so this check does not state what a lawyer may do with information of a former client. Formal Opinion 512 requires informed consent before those files go into a self-learning tool. You do not make the copies from this list. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Work out what a departing solicitor may copy from client files](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/confidentiality-and-client-information/work-out-what-a-departing-solicitor-may-copy-from-client-files.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: List each category of document the departing lawyer proposes to copy. Do not approve the copying and do not say what the lawyer may use later.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- Rule 1.10 does not grant a departing lawyer a right to copy a file.
- Client consent, if any, is a document in the file. It is not assumed.

## Sources

- [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)
- [ABA Model Rule 1.10, Imputation of Conflicts of Interest](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_10_imputation_of_conflicts_of_interest_general_rule/) (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.*