New Hampshire Bar Association AI Guidance#
The New Hampshire Bar Association has not yet issued formal guidance specifically addressing artificial intelligence use in legal practice. New Hampshire attorneys must apply existing Rules of Professional Conduct to AI tools.
Regulatory Framework#
- Bar Association: New Hampshire Bar Association
- Website: nhbar.org
- Attorney Population: ~4,500 active attorneys
Core Ethical Obligations#
Competence (Rule 1.1)#
Attorneys must provide competent representation, which includes understanding AI tools’ capabilities and limitations before using them in client matters.
Confidentiality (Rule 1.6)#
Client information entered into AI systems must be protected. Attorneys should evaluate whether AI platforms adequately safeguard confidential data.
Supervision (Rules 5.1, 5.3)#
Supervising attorneys bear responsibility for ensuring proper AI use by subordinates and staff.
Candor (Rule 3.3)#
All AI-generated content must be verified for accuracy before submission to tribunals.
Practical Compliance Checklist#
AI Ethics Compliance
- Verify all AI outputs before client use or court submission
- Protect client confidentiality in AI platforms
- Maintain competence in AI tools used
- Document AI use in billing appropriately
- Supervise staff AI use
Has New Hampshire issued AI-specific ethics guidance?
No. New Hampshire attorneys should apply existing Rules of Professional Conduct and monitor the New Hampshire Bar Association for future guidance.
What rules apply to AI use in New Hampshire?
Rules 1.1 (Competence), 1.6 (Confidentiality), 3.3 (Candor), 5.1 and 5.3 (Supervision) govern AI use in legal practice.
Can I use AI for legal research in New Hampshire?
Yes, but you must verify all citations and analysis. AI hallucinations have led to sanctions in other jurisdictions.
Must I disclose AI use to clients in New Hampshire?
While not explicitly required, transparency about significant AI use aligns with communication duties under Rule 1.4.