State AI Ethics Rules for Attorneys
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Browse AI ethics guidance by state. Each page includes formal bar opinions, court orders, and practical compliance steps for attorneys using AI tools.
AI Legal Ethics by State
Your complete reference for bar ethics opinions, court rules, and AI disclosure requirements across all 50 states plus D.C.
Quick Reference
States with formal AI ethics guidance are marked with ✓. States without formal guidance include analysis of applicable rules and recommended practices.
AI Legal Ethics Guidance by State
Formal AI Guidance
Guidance Pending
General Rules Apply
AKME
WA
ID
MT
ND
MNWIMI
VT
NH
OR
NV
WY
SD
IA
IL
IN
OH
PA
NY
MA
CA
UT
CO
NE
KS
MO
KY
WV
VA
NJ
RIAZ
NM
OK
AR
TN
NC
VA
MD
DE
CT
HITX
LA
MS
AL
GA
SCDCFL
Click any state for detailed AI ethics guidance analysis
States With Formal AI Ethics Opinions#
These jurisdictions have issued formal ethics opinions or guidance specifically addressing AI:
| State | Key Guidance | Date |
|---|---|---|
| California | Practical Guidance for AI Use | Nov 2023 |
| Florida | Ethics Opinion 24-1 | Jan 2024 |
| New York | Task Force Report + NYC Bar Opinion | Apr 2024 |
| Pennsylvania | Joint Opinion 2024-200 | May 2024 |
| Texas | Ethics Opinion 705 | Feb 2025 |
Browse All Jurisdictions#
Northeast#
Connecticut • Delaware • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New York • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • Vermont
Southeast#
Alabama • Florida • Georgia • Kentucky • Louisiana • Mississippi • North Carolina • South Carolina • Tennessee • Virginia • West Virginia
Midwest#
Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Michigan • Minnesota • Missouri • Nebraska • North Dakota • Ohio • South Dakota • Wisconsin
Southwest#
Arizona • New Mexico • Oklahoma • Texas
West#
Alaska • California • Colorado • Hawaii • Idaho • Montana • Nevada • Oregon • Utah • Washington • Wyoming
Federal District#
The Emerging National Consensus#
While guidance varies by state, most jurisdictions have converged on these core principles:
✓ Competence (Rule 1.1)#
Attorneys must understand AI tools sufficiently to use them competently, including their limitations, hallucination risks, and appropriate use cases.
✓ Verification Required#
All AI-generated content must be independently verified before submission to courts or reliance in client matters. “Trust but verify” is insufficient.
✓ Confidentiality (Rule 1.6)#
Client information must be protected when using AI systems. This includes understanding data retention policies and avoiding free consumer tools for confidential work.
✓ Supervision (Rules 5.1, 5.3)#
Attorneys remain responsible for all work product, regardless of whether AI assisted. AI-generated work requires the same supervision as work from junior associates.
✓ Reasonable Fees (Rule 1.5)#
AI efficiencies should benefit clients. Billing for AI-generated work as if manually performed may constitute excessive fees.
Key Resources#
- ABA Formal Opinion 512 — National guidance on AI in legal practice (July 2024)
- AI Hallucinations in Courts — Sanctions cases and verification requirements
- Legal AI Standard of Care — Comprehensive industry overview
- AI Governance Policy Template — Law firm AI policy framework