Source: Altalex

Altalex reports that the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) has issued new guidelines regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence within the legal profession. These guidelines are designed to assist lawyers in navigating the ethical and practical challenges posed by rapidly evolving AI technologies while ensuring compliance with core professional obligations. The document emphasizes the paramount importance of the duty of competence, urging legal professionals to fully understand both the capabilities and the limitations of the AI tools they employ. It warns against the unverified reliance on AI-generated outputs, highlighting the risks of "hallucinations" where systems fabricate case law or facts, which could lead to severe professional misconduct and damage to client interests.

The guidelines also place a strong focus on client confidentiality and professional secrecy. Lawyers are advised to exercise extreme caution when inputting client data into public or unsecured generative AI models, as this could constitute a breach of privilege. The CCBE underscores that human oversight must remain central to all legal work; AI should serve as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for professional judgment. Furthermore, the guide addresses the need for lawyers to maintain their independence from technology providers, ensuring that their duty to the client and the court is never compromised by algorithmic influence or commercial interests of tech companies.