Clients increasingly ask whether AI was used in the work they pay for. A short, honest AI disclosure builds trust and, in some professions and contracts, is required. Use these templates in engagement letters, proposals and deliverables, and adapt them to your profession's rules.
1. Engagement letter clause
[Firm name] uses carefully selected AI tools to support our work, for example to draft, summarise, research and check documents. These tools are approved under our AI policy, do not use your information to train their models, and are covered by confidentiality and data protection terms. All AI-assisted work is reviewed by a qualified member of our team, who remains responsible for it. If you prefer that we do not use AI tools on your matter, please tell us and we will agree an approach with you.
2. Short statement for proposals and websites
We use AI tools responsibly to work faster and more accurately. Your data stays confidential, is never used to train AI models, and every deliverable is checked by an expert.
3. Note on a deliverable
This [report / document] was prepared by [name] with the help of AI tools for [drafting / research / analysis]. It has been reviewed and approved by [name, role].
4. Consent request for sensitive matters
We would like to use [tool name], an approved AI tool, to [purpose] on your matter. The tool is covered by a data processing agreement and does not train on your data. Please confirm whether you agree. You can withdraw consent at any time.
When to disclose
- When AI plays a material part in the work, not for spell-check or search.
- When a client contract, court rule, regulator or professional body requires it.
- When AI-generated images, audio or video could be mistaken for real.
- When the client asks.
Frequently asked questions
Do lawyers have to disclose AI use to clients?
Rules differ by country, bar and court. Many professional bodies now issue AI guidance and some courts require disclosure in filings. Check your regulator's latest guidance and your engagement terms.
Should we name the AI tools we use?
It isn't always necessary, but naming tools and linking to their privacy terms (or their SafeScore) can reassure clients who ask.