Law Firm AI Acceptable Use Policy

ABA Rule 1.6 compliant — updated for US v. Heppner (February 2026) and ABA Formal Opinion 512.

Managing partners, ethics partners, and general counsel at law firms of any size — from solo practitioners to BigLaw — who need a written AI governance policy that satisfies bar ethics obligations and current case law.

44% of law firms have no written AI policy. After US v. Heppner established that consumer AI tool use may waive attorney-client privilege, ‘we have an informal understanding’ is no longer sufficient. ABA Formal Opinion 512 establishes that competence requires understanding AI limitations — and billing ethics require adjusting fees when AI saves time.

A complete law firm AI acceptable use policy covering: the ABA Rule 1.6 privilege protection framework, a three-tier AI tool classification system (approved for client work / approved for administrative use / prohibited), duties of competence and supervision for AI-assisted work, billing guidance for AI-assisted work product, client disclosure and consent framework, and training requirements. Includes a complete engagement letter AI disclosure appendix with four clause versions.