Published yesterday on the Law Society website, the guidance highlights potential uses and limitations of generative AI (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and similar solutions.

It also considers how a solicitor’s ethical and professional obligations apply to using these tools, informed by the Solicitors’ Guide to Professional Conduct and international guidance.

Potential uses of GenAI include writing, summarising, translation, and brainstorming ideas, analogies and strategy planning, it says.

However, the guidance also warns of AI “hallucinations” and the need for solicitors to independently verify the output of GenAI tools.

Solicitors should “be transparent as to the reasons for using GenAI tools to assist in their work and should consider referring to the use of GenAI tools in their terms and conditions letter to clients”, it says.

At the same time, “the duty of honesty does not create a positive obligation to disclose GenAI use in the same way that a solicitor is not required to disclose their service providers or IT maintenance arrangements to clients or other solicitors unless specifically asked”, it adds.

The publication of the guidance comes shortly after Irish Legal News revealed the details of GenAI guidance for Irish judges.

The Workplace Relations Commission also recently published guidance for litigants on the use of GenAI.