Early court decisions confirm that using AI does not automatically waive privilege—but failing to ensure confidentiality, proper settings, and attorney direction just might.

Using AI with confidential client information is not inherently riskier than the cloud tools lawyers already trust—provided it’s done with the same level of diligence, configuration, and vendor scrutiny.

“As AI tools become affordable, effective, and widely adopted, a lawyer’s failure to use them may soon be viewed not as caution—but as a breach of the duty of competence.”

Deploying an autonomous AI in your practice isn’t using a tool—it’s appointing an agent, and you’re liable for what it does within its authority.

The real disruption isn’t that AI replaces lawyers—it’s that it destabilizes per-seat software pricing, automates commoditized legal work, and gives clients new leverage to challenge how legal fees are structured.