Document Title: Generative AI Acceptable Use Policy for Legal Firms

The below is an extract of our guide policy for the use of AI within legal firms. If you would like a copy to help with the framework and development of AI adoption within your firm just click on the “I WANT THIS” button at the bottom of the page. This is a collaborative document that we will be updating and adding to based on feedback. If there are any additions or changes that you think would help improve the policy please let us know so we can incorporate and share with other firms that have used this example and guide.

Overview: This 15-page editable MS Word file is an example policy document that outlines the acceptable use of generative AI in the legal sector. Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can produce natural language text, images, audio, or other forms of content based on user inputs or data.

The document aims to provide guidance and best practices for legal professionals who use or intend to use generative AI in their work, such as lawyers, paralegals, researchers, or consultants. The document covers topics such as the benefits and risks of generative AI, the ethical and legal principles that should be followed, the quality and reliability of the generated content, and the responsibilities and liabilities of the users and providers of generative AI.

1. Introduction (excerpt from document).

Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is to ensure the responsible, secure, and lawful use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within [Law Firm Name], (hereafter referred to as “the Firm”). This policy is crucial for guiding the Firm’s lawyers, paralegals, secretaries, operations teams, and any other employees (hereafter referred to as “Users”) in their utilisation of AI tools, including Large Language Models (LLM) such as ChatGPT, plugins, services built on an AI Application Programmable Interface (API), and custom solutions integrated with proprietary data. It aims to foster an environment of efficiency and innovation in legal practices, while providing guidance and a framework to safeguard against the myriad of potential risks associated with AI, such as data breaches, ethical violations, and noncompliance with legal standards.

Please note that this Policy is intended to provide guidance, not replace, any existing agreements, policies, or contractual obligations you may have with [Legal Firm Name], including but not limited to your employment contract, confidentiality agreements, and any other policies related to your work or engagement with the firm. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of this Policy and those of any other contractual agreement you have with the firm, the terms of your other contractual agreements will prevail.

Table of Document Contents

1. Introduction – Purpose of the Policy, Scope and Applicability
2. Definitions – List & description of terms
3. General Principles for AI Use – Compliance with Laws and Regulations, Ethical Use of AI, Responsible AI Implementation
4. Acceptable Use of AI Tools – Permitted Uses, Prohibited Uses
5. Data Protection and Privacy – Compliance with GDPR and EU AI Legislation, Data Security Measures
6. Intellectual Property – Respecting IP Rights, Use of Third-party Content, Intellectual Property Creation
7. User Responsibilities – Training Requirements, Reporting Misuse or Breaches, Ethical Use and Professional Conduct, Compliance and Legal Obligations
8. Monitoring and Enforcement – Monitoring AI Tool Usage, Consequences of Policy Violation, Policy Compliance Support
9. Review and Updates – Policy Review Schedule, Amendment Procedures, Communication of Changes,
10. Appendix – Additional Resources, Contacts, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Training Materials, Policy Change Log, Feedback Form