---
title: "Staff undertaking on unapproved generative AI tools (United States)"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/precedents/confidentiality-and-client-information/us-staff-undertaking-unapproved-gai"
type: "precedent"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "a51-us-staff-undertaking-unapproved-gai"
area_id: "A51"
kind: "letter"
ai_level: "yellow"
version: 1
task_ids: ["OB-CONF-1", "A51-A20260923-4"]
law_stated_as_at: "2026-10-22"
---

# Staff undertaking on unapproved generative AI tools (United States)

> A short undertaking by a lawyer or staff member not to put firm or client information into a generative AI tool the firm has not approved, and to tell a supervisor if that happens.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/precedents/confidentiality-and-client-information/us-staff-undertaking-unapproved-gai  
Law stated as at: 2026-10-22

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

## Key facts

- Kind: Letter. A letter or email you adapt and send.
- Practice area: [Confidentiality & client information](https://ailawframework.com/precedents/confidentiality-and-client-information.md)
- Jurisdictions: United States
- 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 United States.

## When to use it

Use when a person joins the firm or is first allowed to use an approved tool. It supports the firm policy. It does not approve a tool.

## Used for these tasks

- [Decide whether client material can go into a tool](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/confidentiality-and-client-information/decide-whether-client-material-can-go-into-a-tool.md)
- [Build an upload checklist for a matter before any file goes into a tool](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/confidentiality-and-client-information/build-an-upload-checklist-for-a-matter-before-any-file-goes-into-a-tool.md)

## How AI may be used

A tool may add the person's name and the date to the approved undertaking. It may not change the promises or mark the undertaking signed.

**AI may:**

- Insert the person's name, role and the date on the firm's approved text
- List people with access to client files who have no signed undertaking on the file

**AI must not:**

- Must not weaken the promise or add a tool to the approved list
- Must not sign for the person

**The lawyer checks:**

- The undertaking matches the current policy and names the supervisor to tell
- The person has read the policy, not only this page
- A lawyer with supervisory responsibility collects the undertaking before the person uses client files with any tool

## Authorities

- [ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Formal Opinion 512, Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools (July 29, 2024)](https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/professional_responsibility/ethics-opinions/aba-formal-opinion-512.pdf)
- [ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 5.1 (Responsibilities of Partners, Managers and Supervisory Lawyers)](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_5_1_responsibilities_of_a_partner_or_supervisory_lawyer/)
- [ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 5.3 (Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants)](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_5_3_responsibilities_regarding_nonlawyer_assistant/)
- [ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, 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/)

## 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/us-staff-undertaking-unapproved-gai 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.*