NCSB Journal Summer 2026

except in approved legal databases. No client information should ever be uploaded to an AI model unless there is verification that the information will remain confidential and will be accessed only by the firm. Attorneys remain fully responsible for all work product and must comply with all confidentiality, competence, and candor obligations under the Rules of Professional Conduct. Conclusion AI will continue to revolutionize legal practice. Its benefits are substantial. But innovation does not diminish responsibility. The law demands accuracy, judgment, and integrity—qualities that cannot be automat ed. Used wisely, AI enhances human capabil ity. Used carelessly, it undermines the profes sion. The lesson is simple, but unforgiving: AI may draft it, but when you sign it, it’s yours. Someone once said, “Make AI a tool for humans, not a reason to lose what makes us human.” n Fred DeVore is a partner in DAS Law Group. He has been a trial attorney for over 43 years. Fred was formerly the president of the Mecklenburg County Bar. He is currently a State Bar counselor and has previously served on the State Bar’s Disciplinary Hearing Commission. He has been a frequent speaker at CLEs on the use of technology in the courtroom. Rob Wilder has been a trial lawyer in Charlotte for over 50 years. He concentrates his practice on business disputes and complex civil litigation in state and federal courts. Endnotes 1. Sometimes AI is referred to as LLM (large language model). 2. However, on April 8, 2025, the US Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, described using “A1” in the courtroom. Presumably, she was referred to the technology and not the steak sauce. 3. An interesting article on this topic is “Plausibility is Not Truth, Do You Really Understand AI?” by Robert Hutton, thecritic.co.uk/plausibility-is-not-truth. 4. Gina Esfandi in Advocate has published an illuminating article entitled, “The Potential and Drawbacks of Using Artificial Intelligence in the Legal Field,” bit.ly/4cbjwoK. 5. The American Bar Association has published an excel lent article entitled “Top Six Legal Issues and Concerns for Legal Practitioners.” bit.ly/4ccrwWA. 6. This sample policy has not been approved by any legal body. You should rely on your own research in judg ment when finalizing a policy for your firm.

provide guidelines for your firm. 6

☐ If a junior lawyer, consultant, or ven dor used AI, did I personally review and ver ify the resulting work product? ☐ If required by local rule or standing order, have I complied with all AI disclosure or certification requirements? If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” the filing is not ready. Sample Firm Policy (Simplified) Here is a draft of a firm policy that may

Attorneys may use approved AI tools as drafting and research aids, provided that all outputs are independently reviewed, verified, and approved by a licensed attorney. Provided, however, that the use of AI platforms may be limited by court requirements, including standing orders and local rules. AI tools may not be relied upon for legal authority, strate gic decisions, or ethical determinations

SUMMER 2026

12