What the opinions cover
The ABA issued Formal Opinion 512 on July 29, 2024, addressing generative AI under the duties of competence, confidentiality, client communication, candor, supervision, and fees. North Carolina's opinion, adopted November 1, 2024, makes the lawyer responsible for reviewing AI output, cautions against putting client-specific information into public AI tools, and bars billing for time saved. The North Carolina opinion does not address marketing.
Advertising rules still govern the page
A website is a communication about your services. Lawyer advertising rules prohibit false or misleading communications, and states such as North Carolina also restrict statements about results and the word "specialist." The North Carolina guide walks through Rules 7.1 and 7.2 as an example.
How we handle it
No confidential client information goes into our drafting. Every page is sourced, checked against your state's rules, and approved by you before it is published. More on our approach in what AEO means for a firm.
Keep reading
Sources
- National Law Review, "American Bar Association Issues Formal Opinion on Use of Generative AI Tools" (on ABA Formal Opinion 512, issued July 29, 2024)
- North Carolina State Bar, 2024 Formal Ethics Opinion 1, "Use of Artificial Intelligence in a Law Practice" (adopted November 1, 2024)
- North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 7.1