---
title: "Set the screens so a knowledge tool does not cross an ethical wall"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/knowledge-management/apply-ethical-walls-to-ai-knowledge-tools/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "KM-B12-08-US"
practice_area: "Knowledge Management"
tier: "red"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Set the screens so a knowledge tool does not cross an ethical wall

> List the matters, the lawyers who are screened, and the repositories the tool can currently search. Do not change a permission and do not decide that a screen is effective.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/knowledge-management/apply-ethical-walls-to-ai-knowledge-tools/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

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

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Knowledge Management](https://ailawframework.com/practice/knowledge-management.md) |
| Human involvement | Red: Lawyer writes; AI may check, clarify or collect data |
| How AI is used | List the matters, the lawyers who are screened, and the repositories the tool can currently search. Do not change a permission and do not decide that a screen is effective. |
| What the lawyer must review | You design the screen. Model Rule 1.10(a) imputes a conflict to lawyers associated in a firm unless an exception applies. The former-client screen in Rule 1.10(a)(2) requires timely screening from any participation, no part of the fee, prompt written notice to the former client describing the procedures, and certifications. A tool that can still retrieve the screened matter for a lawyer on the other side of the wall is not that screen. Model Rule 1.6(c) requires reasonable efforts against unauthorised access. Formal Opinion 512 says managerial lawyers must establish policies on generative tools and supervisory lawyers must make reasonable efforts so that lawyers and nonlawyers comply. The tool does not decide who may see client information. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Apply ethical walls to AI knowledge tools](https://ailawframework.com/practice/knowledge-management/apply-ethical-walls-to-ai-knowledge-tools.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: List the matters, the lawyers who are screened, and the repositories the tool can currently search. Do not change a permission and do not decide that a screen is effective.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- Not every state has adopted the Model Rule 1.10(a)(2) screen. Open the state rule before relying on screening instead of declining the matter.
- Government-lawyer imputation is Model Rule 1.11, which was not opened.

## Sources

- [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)
- [ABA Model Rule 1.6(c)](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 (29 July 2024), supervisory responsibilities](https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/professional_responsibility/ethics-opinions/aba-formal-opinion-512.pdf) (checked 2026-10-22)

## Forms and precedents for this task

| Form or precedent | Kind | AI level | Summary |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Information barrier record for an AI knowledge tool](https://ailawframework.com/precedents/knowledge-management/ai-information-barrier-record.md) | Form | Red | Record of who may and may not retrieve a matter through the firm's AI search or know-how assistant, and the test that showed the barrier holds. |

Signed-in accounts can read the full text of each one.

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*