Ethical Use of Generative AI: The Attorney's Guide

Overview: 

Generative AI is changing the legal profession, providing attorneys with tools for research, drafting, and case analysis. Its use also introduces important ethical and professional responsibility issues. This course examines the essential ethical considerations attorneys need to address when using AI in their practice, ensuring adherence to ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct and other legal ethics guidelines.  

Participants will review potential risks associated with AI-generated content, such as inaccuracies, bias, confidentiality breaches, and the unauthorized practice of law. Through case studies and practical examples, attorneys will learn how to critically evaluate AI-generated information, mitigate risks, and maintain ethical standards while using AI to improve efficiency and decision-making.  

By the end of the course, attorneys will have strategies to responsibly integrate generative AI into their workflows. They will understand informed client consent, data security, and supervision duties when using AI-assisted legal tools.  

Course Objective: 

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:  

• Identify ethical considerations and professional responsibilities when using generative AI in legal practice.  
• Evaluate the reliability, accuracy, and potential biases of AI-generated legal content.  
• Implement best practices for ensuring compliance with legal ethics rules, maintaining confidentiality, and mitigating AI-related risks.  

Target Audience: 

• Attorneys and legal professionals  
• In-house counsel and compliance officers  
• Law firm administrators  
• Legal ethics and risk management professionals  
• Law students and legal researchers  

Basic Knowledge:

• Familiarity with professional ethics rules (e.g., ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct)  
• Understanding of legal research and drafting principles  
• General knowledge of technology used in legal practice