The rapid evolution of generative AI is reshaping the legal landscape, presenting both exciting opportunities and complex challenges for practitioners. As lawyers, we are uniquely positioned to harness the potential of this technology to enhance efficiency, improve client outcomes, and streamline operations. However, integrating generative AI into legal practice also requires careful consideration of ethical obligations, data privacy, and accuracy concerns.
To help you navigate these opportunities and risks, we’ve compiled a collection of resources, best practices, and tools designed specifically for legal professionals. Whether you’re exploring AI for research, drafting, or client service, this newsletter provides a compilation of some of the existing guidelines and directives you need to stay ahead while upholding the highest professional standards.
Federal Court
Canadian Judicial Council
Canadian Bar Association
Nova Scotia
- Supreme Court directive:https://courts.ns.ca/sites/default/files/notices/Oct%202023/NSSC_Court_Submissions_AI_Oct_18_2023.pdf
- Supreme Court re. Proceedings Before the Registrar in Bankruptcy: https://www.courts.ns.ca/sites/default/files/notices/2024-10/AI_Directive_Registrar_in_Bankruptcy_Oct_4_2024.pdf
- Provincial Court directive:https://courts.ns.ca/sites/default/files/notices/Oct%202023/NSPC_Artificial_Intelligence_Oct_27_2023.pdf
- NSBS guide: https://nsbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/short-guide-on-A.I.pdf
New Brunswick
- LSNB has not released guidelines, and NB courts have no released directives.
Prince Edward Island
- LSPEI has not released guidelines, and PEI courts have no released directives.
Newfoundland & Labrador
- Supreme Court directive: https://www.court.nl.ca/supreme/files/2023-10-12-Notice-to-Profession-and-General-Public-AI-Submissions.pdf
- LSN&L guidance: https://lsnl.ca/artificial-intelligence-in-your-practice/
British Columbia
- No court directives
- LSBC guide: https://www.lawsociety.bc.ca/Website/media/Shared/docs/practice/resources/Professional-responsibility-and-AI.pdf
- Lawyers Indemnity Fund guide: https://www.lif.ca/about-us/news/notices-to-lawyers/2023/generative-ai-what-lawyers-need-to-know/
Alberta
- Court of King’s Bench: https://albertacourts.ca/kb/resources/announcements/notice-to-the-profession-public—use-of-ai-in-citations-submissions
- LSA Generative AI Playbook : https://www.lawsociety.ab.ca/resource-centre/key-resources/professional-conduct/the-generative-ai-playbook/
Saskatchewan
- No court directives
- LSS guidance: https://www.lawsociety.sk.ca/wp-content/uploads/Law-Society-of-Saskatchewan-Generative-Artificial-Intelligence-Guidelines.pdf
Manitoba
- Court of King’s Bench directive: https://www.manitobacourts.mb.ca/site/assets/files/2045/practice_direction_-_use_of_artificial_intelligence_in_court_submissions.pdf
- LSM guidance: https://educationcentre.lawsociety.mb.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Generative-Artificial-Intelligence-Guidelines-for-Use-in-the-Practice-of-Law.pdf
Ontario
- No court directives
- LSO guidance: https://lawsocietyontario.azureedge.net/media/lso/media/about/convocation/2024/convocation-april-2024-futures-committee-report.pdf
Québec
- Cour du Québec directive: https://courduquebec.ca/en/article/notice-to-the-legal-community-and-the-public-maintaining-the-integrity-of-submissions-before-the-court-when-using-large-language-models
- Article published by Barreau du Québec: https://www.barreau.qc.ca/en/new/views-profession/intelligence-artificielle-limitez-risques-poursuite-responsabilite-professionnelle/
Yukon
- Supreme Court of Yukon directive: https://www.yukoncourts.ca/sites/default/files/2023-06/GENERAL-29%20Use%20of%20AI.pdf
- No guidance by the Law Society of Yukon.
We also developed a short guide on AI last fall and our tech sub group is the process of revamping it, with the help of some great people at the Technology and Innovation Law Clinic at the Schulich School of Law. We always welcome your questions and comments at communications@nsbs.org.