---
title: "Limit a know-how search to matters the document system already lets the user open"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/knowledge-management/set-up-permission-aware-ai-search-over-the-dms/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "KM-B12-07-US"
practice_area: "Knowledge Management"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Limit a know-how search to matters the document system already lets the user open

> List, from the document system's existing permissions, the matters this user can open, and stop the search at that list. Do not create a screen and do not return a document the user cannot open.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/knowledge-management/set-up-permission-aware-ai-search-over-the-dms/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 | List, from the document system's existing permissions, the matters this user can open, and stop the search at that list. Do not create a screen and do not return a document the user cannot open. |
| What the lawyer must review | You set the permissions. Model Rule 1.6(a) prohibits revealing information relating to a representation without informed consent, implied authorisation, or a permission in paragraph (b). Rule 1.6(c) requires reasonable efforts against unauthorised access. Model Rule 1.10(a) imputes a prohibition under Rule 1.7 or Rule 1.9 to lawyers associated in a firm, unless paragraph (a)(1) or the screen in paragraph (a)(2) applies. The screen in (a)(2) requires timely screening and no part of the fee, prompt written notice to the former client with the statements the rule lists, and certifications. Rule 1.9 was not opened, so this task does not decide whether a former-client conflict exists. Confirm the jurisdiction has adopted Rule 1.10(a)(2) before treating a screen as available. ABA Formal Opinion 512 requires informed consent before client information is put into a tool that will not keep it confidential. This task uses the permissions the system already has. It does not design an ethical wall. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Set up permission-aware AI search over the DMS](https://ailawframework.com/practice/knowledge-management/set-up-permission-aware-ai-search-over-the-dms.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: List, from the document system's existing permissions, the matters this user can open, and stop the search at that list. Do not create a screen and do not return a document the user cannot open.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- Rule 1.7 and Rule 1.9 were not applied. A permission in the document system is not a decision that there is no conflict.
- The screen in Rule 1.10(a)(2) is the model. Do not assume the jurisdiction has adopted it.

## 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 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 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)

## 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.*