Washington D.C.

District of Columbia Bar

Guidance Issued

Ethics Opinions & Guidance

DC Bar Ethics Opinion 388

Attorneys' Use of Artificial Intelligence

2024

The DC Bar issued formal guidance on the ethical use of AI tools, including analysis of confidentiality obligations and the duty of supervision.

Read full opinion

Key Requirements for AI Use

  • Rule 1.1 — technology competence is part of the duty of competence
  • Rule 1.6 — confidentiality obligations extend to AI platform data handling
  • Rule 5.3 — supervise AI output as you would a non-lawyer assistant
  • Rule 3.3 — verify all AI-generated case citations before filing

Important Notes

Federal agencies in DC are increasingly scrutinizing AI use in regulated industries. Federal court filings require AI disclosure in many courts.