ABA Formal Opinion 512: Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools

ABA ethics guidance for lawyers using generative AI tools, including duties around competence, confidentiality, communication, and supervision.

Human-Centered Innovation / external

Why this source matters

The Dignity AI tool should pair human-development concerns with the professional duties lawyers must consider when using generative AI.

The Dignity AI tool should pair human-development concerns with the professional duties lawyers must consider when using generative AI.

Use it to strengthen accountability, confidentiality, client communication, supervision, and reasonable-fee safeguards.

What competence and supervision obligations attach to this tool use?
Could confidential information be exposed through inputs, outputs, vendors, or retention settings?
Does the client need communication or consent before this use case moves forward?

Use it to strengthen accountability, confidentiality, client communication, supervision, and reasonable-fee safeguards.

What competence and supervision obligations attach to this tool use?
Could confidential information be exposed through inputs, outputs, vendors, or retention settings?
Does the client need communication or consent before this use case moves forward?

These tools currently reference this source as methodology or report context.

Human-Centered Innovation

Available

Evaluate AI changes against human development, accountability, shared gains, and risk.

Content status: Draft framework
Access: Free
Upgrade value: Saved AI decision records, workspace review history
Best use case: Reviewing an AI or automation proposal before a pilot or rollout.
Estimated time: 15 minutes