Cardinal AI Systems · Client Disclosure System
AI on My Matter

A complete, ready-to-deploy system for how law firms disclose AI use to clients — covering disclosure statements, engagement letter clauses, matter logs, consent workflows, and client FAQs.

Client Disclosure Statement
Engagement Letter Clauses
Matter AI Use Log
Consent Workflow
Client FAQ
Client-Facing AI Use Disclosure Statement

A plain-English statement explaining how your firm uses AI. Publish on your website, include in your client service information pack, and reference in engagement letters.

Our Use of Artificial Intelligence
Client-facing · Plain English · Website / Service Pack

[Firm Name] LLP uses artificial intelligence tools to support the delivery of legal services to our clients. We believe in being transparent about how we use technology on your matters.

What AI tools do we use?

We use AI tools including [list approved tools e.g. Microsoft Copilot, Harvey AI, Luminance] to assist with tasks including legal research, document drafting, contract review, and matter management. All AI tools used by the firm have been approved by our AI Governance team and are subject to Data Processing Agreements that protect your information.

How do we use AI on your matter?

AI may be used on your matter to assist with research, drafting, document review, or administrative tasks. Where AI is used, a qualified solicitor always reviews, verifies, and takes responsibility for any AI-generated work before it is used or provided to you. We never rely on AI outputs without human review.

What about your confidential information?

Your confidentiality is our absolute priority. We only use AI tools that have contractual obligations to protect your information and that do not use your data to train their models. We maintain strict data classification controls to ensure sensitive client information is handled appropriately.

Will you tell me when AI is used?

Yes. Our engagement letters explain how AI may be used on your matter. If you have questions about AI use on a specific piece of work, please ask your supervising partner. We maintain a matter-level record of AI use that is available to you on request.

Can I ask you not to use AI on my matter?

Yes. If you have concerns about the use of AI on your matter, please discuss this with your relationship partner. We will always accommodate reasonable requests and will explain any impact on timing or cost.

Who is responsible for AI governance at the firm?

Our AI Governance Lead is [Partner Name], who chairs our AI Governance Committee and is responsible for ensuring our AI use meets regulatory requirements and our own professional standards. Any concerns about AI use on your matter should be directed to [contact details].

This statement was last reviewed: [Date] · Next review: [Date] · [Firm Name] LLP is committed to responsible AI use in compliance with the SRA Code of Conduct, UK GDPR, and EU AI Act.

Engagement Letter Clause Library

Ready-to-use clauses for different AI use scenarios. Select the appropriate clause based on the nature of AI use on each matter type.

Clause A — Standard AI Use (Most Matters)
Use for: Routine commercial, property, employment matters

Use of Artificial Intelligence

We may use artificial intelligence tools to assist in the delivery of services on your matter. This may include AI-assisted legal research, document drafting, contract review, or matter administration. Any use of AI will be under the supervision of a qualified solicitor who will review and take responsibility for all AI-assisted work. We will only use AI tools that have been approved by our AI Governance team and are subject to appropriate data protection agreements. Your confidential information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and our AI Governance Framework. If you have any questions about our use of AI, please contact your supervising partner.

Clause B — Enhanced Disclosure (Sensitive Matters)
Use for: Litigation, regulatory investigations, sensitive personal matters

Use of Artificial Intelligence — Enhanced Disclosure

Given the sensitive nature of this matter, we want to be fully transparent about our use of artificial intelligence. We may use AI tools to assist with [specify: e.g. document review, legal research, drafting]. Before any AI tool is used on this matter, we will ensure that: (i) the tool has been formally approved by our AI Governance team; (ii) a Data Processing Agreement is in place with the provider; (iii) the tool does not use your data for model training; and (iv) all AI-generated outputs are reviewed and verified by a qualified solicitor before use.

If you would prefer that AI is not used on any element of your matter, please notify us in writing and we will accommodate your preference, subject to any impact on timescales and fees which we will discuss with you.

We maintain a full log of AI use on this matter which is available to you on request at any time.

Clause C — No AI Use (Client Opt-Out)
Use when: Client has requested no AI use on their matter

No Artificial Intelligence — Client Preference Recorded

In accordance with your expressed preference, we confirm that artificial intelligence tools will not be used in the delivery of services on this matter. All work will be conducted by our qualified legal team without AI assistance. We have recorded this preference on your matter file. Please note that this instruction applies to this matter only; if you instruct us on future matters and wish AI not to be used, please notify us at the outset of each new instruction.

Clause D — Agentic AI Use
Use when: AI agents used for autonomous actions on matter

Use of Autonomous AI Systems

With your consent, we propose to use AI agent technology on certain defined tasks on this matter — specifically [describe: e.g. document review across the disclosed dataset, scheduling coordination, initial research compilation]. AI agents are AI systems that can take sequences of actions with limited human intervention at each step. All AI agent activity on your matter will: (i) operate within defined parameters approved by a supervising partner; (ii) generate a full audit log of all actions taken; (iii) be subject to human review before any AI agent output is used or communicated externally; and (iv) be immediately paused if any unexpected output is generated. You have the right to withdraw consent for AI agent use at any time by notifying your supervising partner.

Please confirm your consent to the use of AI agents on this matter by signing below / responding to confirm: [signature line / confirmation mechanism]

Matter AI Use Log Template

A matter-level log of all AI use. Maintain for every active matter. Available to clients on request and to the SRA/ICO in the event of regulatory inspection.

Matter AI Use Log
Complete one log per matter · Update whenever AI is used

Matter Details

Matter Reference[Matter Ref]
Client Name[Client Name]
Supervising Partner[Partner Name]
Matter Type[e.g. Commercial Contract / Litigation / Property]
Client Disclosure Given[Date · Clause Type Used]
Client AI Preference[Standard consent / Enhanced consent / Opt-out]

AI Use Log Entries

Date Fee Earner AI Tool Used Task Description Data Input Type Output Used? Verified By Notes
DD/MM/YYYes
DD/MM/YYYes
DD/MM/YYNo

Data Input Types: A = Client personal data · B = Privileged communications · C = Published/public information · D = Internal firm data · E = Third-party commercial data

Retention: Retain this log for the duration of the matter and for 7 years post-matter closure, in accordance with the firm's document retention policy.

Client FAQ — AI Use at the Firm

Ready-to-use FAQ for clients who ask about AI use. Publish on your website and provide to clients on request.

Is AI being used on my case?
We will always tell you if AI is being used on your matter. Our engagement letter explains our approach to AI use. If you are unsure, please ask your supervising partner directly — they will be able to tell you exactly what AI tools, if any, have been used and what they were used for.
What AI tools does the firm use?
We use a small number of approved AI tools including [list approved tools]. Every tool we use has been approved by our AI Governance team, is subject to a Data Processing Agreement that protects your information, and does not use your data to train AI models. We do not permit fee earners to use unapproved AI tools on client matters.
Is my confidential information safe when AI is used?
Yes. We have strict controls on what information can be entered into AI tools. All AI tools we use are contractually obligated to protect your information and cannot use your data for any purpose other than providing the service to us. We have Data Processing Agreements in place with all AI providers and our own data classification policy governs what information fee earners can use in AI systems.
Does a qualified lawyer still check AI work?
Always. This is non-negotiable. No AI-generated output is used on your matter without being reviewed and approved by a qualified solicitor. AI assists our lawyers — it does not replace their judgment or professional responsibility. The supervising partner on your matter is responsible for everything that goes to you, regardless of whether AI assisted in its preparation.
Can I ask you not to use AI on my matter?
Yes. Please tell your relationship partner and we will record your preference on the file. We will accommodate your request. In some cases, declining AI use may affect the time or cost of certain tasks — if so, we will discuss this with you before proceeding. Your preference will apply to your current matter; please notify us again at the start of any new matter if you wish it to continue.
Can I see what AI was used on my matter?
Yes. We maintain a Matter AI Use Log for every active matter, recording what AI tools were used, what they were used for, and who reviewed the outputs. You can request sight of this log at any time by asking your supervising partner. We will provide it within 5 business days.
What happens if AI makes a mistake on my matter?
Our supervision protocols are designed to catch AI errors before they affect your matter. However, if an AI-related error does occur, we treat it with the same seriousness as any other professional error. We have an AI Incident Response procedure and will notify you promptly of any error that has affected your matter. Our professional indemnity insurance covers AI-related errors on client work in the same way as any other professional error.
Who is responsible for AI governance at the firm?
Our AI Governance Lead is [Partner Name], who is responsible for ensuring all AI use at the firm meets regulatory requirements and our professional standards. If you have concerns about AI use on your matter that have not been resolved by your supervising partner, you can contact our AI Governance Lead directly at [contact details].