Navigating the AI Frontier: States Take a Stand on Legal Ethics in 2025
The AI-Powered Paralegal™ Series
The legal world is evolving, and it's happening at lightning speed. Just a few years ago, the idea of a paralegal using AI-powered tools might have sounded like science fiction. Now, it's not only a reality but also a critical part of a modern legal practice. But as we embrace these powerful new tools, a big question looms: how do we use them ethically?

That's a question many state bars are starting to answer. While the American Bar Association (ABA) has provided foundational national guidance, several states have stepped up to issue their own formal ethics opinions on the use of AI. This is a crucial development for any legal professional who wants to stay compliant and competent.
The ABA's Formal Opinion 512 (2024) serves as a foundational national framework. This opinion addresses competence with AI technology, confidentiality protections, client communication about AI use, verification of AI-generated content, and reasonableness in billing. Several state bars have adapted these principles to their specific contexts. The ABA officially published the opinion for public use in February 2025.
Which states are leading the charge?
- Pennsylvania issued a Joint Formal Opinion 2024-200 on ethical issues related to AI use, which remains relevant in 2025.
- Oregon issued a formal opinion that mirrors the ABA's guidance, focusing on a lawyer's duty of competence, confidentiality, and proper supervision when using AI. It stresses that attorneys must understand how the AI tools they use actually work.
- California and Florida have also released advisory opinions, emphasizing the importance of client confidentiality, accurate and competent practice, and avoiding unethical billing methods when using AI.
- New York provided general guidance to help lawyers navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of generative AI without creating new rules that could stifle innovation.
Takeaway
Many other states have yet to issue formal guidance but are actively studying the issue or providing informal insights. States with various levels of guidance, task forces, or committees exploring AI ethics for lawyers include Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Idaho, Kentucky, and Maryland.
The takeaway? Even if your state hasn't issued a formal opinion yet, the trend is clear. Bar associations across the country are emphasizing the core professional duties that have always applied to technology: competence, confidentiality, and due diligence.Staying on top of these developments is non-negotiable. As an attorney or a paralegal, you have a duty to understand how to use these tools responsibly and ethically to serve clients and protect the law practice from code of conduct violations.
The Best Virtual Paralegal Team offers a wide variety of services to help your team stay in the know about the current trends that influence your success. By working with Best Virtual Paralegal, you can focus on what you do best—serving your clients—while we handle the complexities of training your staff on AI safety or using an AI tool to help you increase your firm's overall workflow. Our tailored services are designed to help you adapt to the new AI-powered landscape and grow your practice.
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Disclaimer

This publication is designed to provide attorneys and paralegals with general information provided by the team of Best Virtual Paralegal LLC (BVP), its founder or another authorized faculty member of the Best Virtual Paralegal's brand.
It is published or sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, financial, or medical advice. This publication serves only educational purposes and does not provide professional advice on the topic. If you have any questions about your rights, obligations, or professional conduct regarding the use of AI in a law practice, please consider seeking the advice of a licensed practicing lawyer in good standing familiar with your situation.
Author
With a career spanning three decades, Holly A. Sheriff is on a mission to shake up the legal support industry. As the founder of Best Virtual Paralegal LLC and an award-winning Litigation Paralegal, Educator, and Certified Master Coach, Holly dedicates her expertise to empowering legal professionals to build successful and fulfilling careers.
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