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California

Guidance Issuedstate

State Bar of California

Ethics Opinions & Guidance

Practical Guidance for Using Generative AI

Practical Guidance 2023-1 · 2023

2023

The State Bar of California issued practical guidance for attorneys using generative AI, addressing competence, confidentiality, supervision, and billing obligations.

View full opinion

Key Requirements for Attorneys

1
Competence under Rule 1.1 — attorneys must understand AI tool limitations
2
Confidentiality under Rule 1.6 — no confidential client data in AI without safeguards
3
Supervision under Rule 5.1/5.3 — supervise AI output as you would non-lawyer work
4
Fees under Rule 1.5 — AI savings should not inflate billing
5
Candor to tribunal — verify AI-generated citations before filing

Additional Context

California is proactive in issuing AI guidance but has not issued a formal ethics opinion restricting AI use. The State Bar actively monitors developments.

AI Tools Used in California

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Everlaw

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Clio

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Westlaw Edge

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Disclaimer: Jurisdiction guidance is based on publicly available bar opinions and regulatory statements. This information may not reflect the most current guidance. Always consult directly with your state or local bar association for authoritative advice on your ethical obligations. LexAI Hub is not a law firm and this content does not constitute legal advice.