---
title: "Group precedent files that share the same opening words"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/knowledge-management/deduplicate-a-precedent-bank/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "KM-B12-17-US"
practice_area: "Knowledge Management"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Group precedent files that share the same opening words

> Group file names whose opening clause is the same text, and quote that shared opening. Write no merged precedent and no choice of which file to keep.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/knowledge-management/deduplicate-a-precedent-bank/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 | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | Group file names whose opening clause is the same text, and quote that shared opening. Write no merged precedent and no choice of which file to keep. |
| What the lawyer must review | You decide which file remains. A merged text would be a new precedent that later lawyers may sign into a client's document, so Model Rule 1.1 and ABA Formal Opinion 512 require you to verify it. The tool only groups identical opening words. Model Rule 1.6 applies if the precedents contain information relating to a representation and the comparison tool will not keep that information confidential. Informed consent, or a confidential configuration, is required before that comparison is run. The grouping is not a statement that the clauses have the same legal effect. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Deduplicate a precedent bank](https://ailawframework.com/practice/knowledge-management/deduplicate-a-precedent-bank.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: Group file names whose opening clause is the same text, and quote that shared opening. Write no merged precedent and no choice of which file to keep.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- Files with similar but not identical opening words are not grouped. A near-match is for you to read.
- Do not delete a file. The group is a list of names.

## 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 1.6, 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 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)

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