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Rhode Island Approves New Rules on Lawyer Use of AI

By  |  June 21, 2026
AI regulation

Rhode Island has become the latest state to establish formal rules governing how attorneys may use generative artificial intelligence, reflecting a broader effort by state regulators and courts to address the rapid adoption of AI tools across the legal profession.

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    The Rhode Island Supreme Court approved amendments to the state’s professional conduct rules and issued guidance on the use of generative AI by lawyers, according to Reuters. The measures are designed to clarify attorneys’ ethical responsibilities when relying on AI-powered systems for legal research, drafting, and other professional tasks.

    The action places Rhode Island among a growing number of jurisdictions that have introduced safeguards aimed at ensuring lawyers remain accountable for work produced with the assistance of AI technology. Courts and regulators have increasingly focused on preventing attorneys from submitting inaccurate or fabricated information generated by AI systems, following several high-profile incidents involving erroneous legal citations.

    The development comes as legal professionals continue integrating AI into everyday practice, from document review to case preparation. While many firms view the technology as a tool for improving efficiency, regulators have emphasized that attorneys must independently verify the accuracy of AI-generated content and protect confidential client information.

    Related: Colorado Refines, Rather Than Retreats From, AI Regulation

    Rhode Island’s move also highlights a wider regulatory debate taking shape across the United States. As states craft rules governing the use of AI in specific industries, policymakers are weighing how to promote innovation while maintaining professional standards and consumer protections. At the same time, lawmakers in Washington have proposed legislation that would limit states’ ability to regulate the development of AI models, potentially setting up future conflicts between federal and state oversight efforts.

    From an antitrust perspective, the spread of state-level AI regulations may carry implications for competition within the legal technology market. Compliance requirements can influence which AI providers are able to serve law firms and courts, potentially affecting market access for smaller developers while reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability among larger technology companies. Regulators have increasingly examined how AI systems may shape competition across multiple industries, including professional services.

    According to Reuters, Rhode Island’s new guidance is part of a growing trend among states seeking to establish guardrails around attorney use of generative AI as the technology becomes more deeply embedded in legal practice.

    Source: Reuters