---
title: "Information barrier protocol for one matter"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/precedents/confidentiality-and-client-information/matter-information-barrier-protocol"
type: "precedent"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "a51-matter-information-barrier-protocol"
area_id: "A51"
kind: "policy"
ai_level: "yellow"
version: 1
task_ids: ["A51-A20260923-3"]
law_stated_as_at: "2026-10-22"
---

# Information barrier protocol for one matter

> Protocol for one current matter where the practice holds confidential information of a former client: who is screened, what is locked, what undertakings are signed, and which tools the two groups must not share.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/precedents/confidentiality-and-client-information/matter-information-barrier-protocol  
Law stated as at: 2026-10-22

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

## Key facts

- Kind: Policy. A policy or procedure for a firm or client.
- Practice area: [Confidentiality & client information](https://ailawframework.com/precedents/confidentiality-and-client-information.md)
- Jurisdictions: New South Wales, Queensland
- AI level: Yellow. You and the tool draft together, with you directing. You check every statement you rely on.
- Law stated as at: 2026-10-22
- Status: Maintained. Checked on 2026-10-22 against the 4 authorities it cites, for New South Wales and Queensland.

## When to use it

Use when the practice is asked to act against a former client and a partner is considering an information barrier instead of informed consent. Do not use it as the only control between two current clients, or as a decision that the barrier will be effective.

## Used for these tasks

- [Draft an information-barrier protocol from the conflict papers](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/confidentiality-and-client-information/draft-an-information-barrier-protocol-from-the-conflict-papers.md)

## How AI may be used

AI may list names and files from the conflict note the principal supplies. The principal decides who is screened and whether the practice may act.

**AI may:**

- Place names, roles and file locations from the conflict note into the tables
- List shared systems on the firm's inventory that both groups can currently open

**AI must not:**

- Must not decide that the barrier is effective or that the practice may act
- Must not treat a former client's silence as consent
- Must not describe the protocol as sufficient for two current clients

**The lawyer checks:**

- Rule 10.2 applies: the information is confidential to a former client, might reasonably be material to the current matter, and would be detrimental to the former client if disclosed
- Either informed consent to disclosure and use is actually held, or the principal has settled this protocol and the undertakings
- No shared mailbox, document system or AI tool lets the current-matter group open the screened material

## Authorities

- [Legal Profession Uniform Law Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules 2015 (NSW) r 10.2 (must not act unless the former client gives informed consent to disclosure and use, or an effective information barrier has been established)](https://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/lpulascr2015658/s2.10.html)
- [Legal Profession Uniform Law Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules 2015 (NSW) r 9 (confidentiality and the permitted disclosures)](https://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/lpulascr2015658/s2.9.html)
- [Law Society of NSW, Information Barrier Guidelines (March 2018)](https://www.lawsociety.com.au/sites/default/files/2018-03/Info%20barriers.pdf)
- [Queensland Law Society, Information Barrier Guidelines (page stating what the guidelines require and that they are not a solution for concurrent clients)](https://www.qls.com.au/practising-law-in-qld/ethics/australian-solicitors-conduct-rules/rules-resources/information-barrier-guidelines)

## Full text and drafting notes

The full text and the drafting notes are not part of this public page. Signed-in firm accounts can read them at https://ailawframework.com/precedents/confidentiality-and-client-information/matter-information-barrier-protocol and through the signed-in MCP connector https://ailawframework.com/mcp/firm.

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