Belief: using a public GenAI tool for legal work is like using a search engine, so privilege stays intact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Privilege depends on confidentiality. If a tool\u2019s terms allow retention or disclosure, your prompts and outputs can become discoverable, and the privilege story gets harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The break point is casual experimentation. Someone drafts an internal analysis, summarizes sensitive notes, or prepares talking points using a consumer AI tool. Later, the company tries to treat the output as privileged because counsel became involved afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proof pressure point is the platform and the workflow: whether the tool was controlled, whether use was directed within a legal process, and whether confidentiality was realistically preserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The practical fix is platform discipline. For legal work, use enterprise tools with contractual protections and treat AI use as a records-creating workflow that needs rules, not improvisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This post shares general information based on common patterns I see in California workplaces. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and outcomes depend on specific facts \u2014 no lawyer can guarantee a result. Past results do not guarantee or predict future outcomes. AI may have been used to create this post. All content reviewed by a CA attorney before publication. This post may be attorney advertising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michael Trust Law, APC, 703 Pier Avenue, Ste. B367, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254: michaeltrustlaw.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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