Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how people work, including attorneys. From researching legal issues to drafting documents, AI tools can help legal professionals work more efficiently. But what happens when those tools make mistakes?

California has enacted a new law designed to address that concern. The goal is to ensure that attorneys remain accountable for the work they submit to the courts.

On September 30, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 574 (SB 574), establishing new requirements for attorneys who use generative artificial intelligence in their legal practice. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

What Does California’s New AI Law Require?

Under SB 574, California attorneys must follow several important requirements when using generative AI:

  • Disclose AI use in court filings. Attorneys must disclose their use of generative AI to the court for documents they submit.
  • Verify legal citations. Attorneys responsible for court filings must personally read and verify cited legal authorities, whether those citations came from AI or another source.
  • Protect confidential information. Attorneys cannot enter confidential client information into AI systems unless access is appropriately restricted.
  • Check AI-generated content. Attorneys must take reasonable steps to verify accuracy and correct inaccurate or fabricated information.
  • Remain responsible for legal decisions. Attorneys cannot delegate the practice of law to artificial intelligence.

These requirements reinforce an important principle: technology may assist an attorney, but it cannot replace the attorney’s professional judgment.

Why Does This Matter to California Residents?

Most people hiring an attorney expect their case to receive careful attention, accurate legal research, and sound professional judgment.

AI technology can produce convincing written information that is sometimes incorrect. In the legal profession, these errors can include references to court decisions that do not exist, inaccurate descriptions of laws, or statements that misrepresent legal precedent.

An inaccurate court filing could delay a case, create unnecessary expenses, or undermine an otherwise legitimate legal argument.

California’s new law is intended to reduce these risks by requiring attorneys to review their work and remain accountable for its accuracy.

Will Attorneys Have to Tell Clients When They Use AI?

Beginning January 1, 2027, California attorneys who use generative artificial intelligence in their legal practice must disclose that use to the court for documents submitted to the court, as required by Senate Bill 574. However, the law leaves several important questions unanswered about how this requirement will work in practice.

The legislation does not identify particular types of filings that require disclosure or establish a minimum level of AI involvement that triggers the requirement. For example, it is unclear whether an attorney who uses AI solely to proofread a document must make the same disclosure as an attorney who uses AI to research legal arguments or prepare substantial portions of a court filing.

The law’s broad wording potentially includes complaints, motions, legal briefs, declarations, and any other documents submitted to California courts. It also does not establish whether disclosure is required only when AI assisted with a particular document or more broadly when an attorney uses generative AI in their practice.

Additionally, SB 574 does not explain how attorneys must disclose their AI use. It does not require a particular form, a statement within the document, or a separate declaration. Nor does it expressly require attorneys to identify the AI platform used or specify which portions of a document were AI-assisted.

The State Bar of California has already issued guidance addressing attorneys’ ethical responsibilities when using generative AI and has proposed additional amendments to its Rules of Professional Conduct. However, those materials do not recommend a standardized disclosure procedure under SB 574. Additional clarification may come through future State Bar guidance, court rules, or orders issued by individual courts. There is currently no announced statewide deadline for issuing that clarification before the law takes effect.

Does the New Law Prohibit Attorneys From Using AI?

No. SB 574 does not prohibit attorneys from using AI. Rather, it requires them to remain responsible for the accuracy of their work, personally verify legal citations, protect confidential information, and exercise independent professional judgment.

Attorneys may continue using appropriate technology to assist with legal research, document preparation, and other tasks. However, they must exercise independent judgment, verify the information they rely upon, and protect confidential information.

The law also does not require attorneys to use AI. Its purpose is to establish safeguards when they choose to do so.

What Happens If an Attorney Violates the Law?

The legislation strengthens existing requirements concerning the accuracy of court filings. Attorneys who submit unverified legal citations or otherwise violate applicable court-filing requirements may face sanctions.

Depending on the circumstances, sanctions can include financial penalties or other court-ordered measures.

The goal is to help ensure that information presented to California courts is reliable, regardless of whether it was prepared with traditional legal research or AI assistance.

Protecting Clients in an Evolving Legal System

Technology will continue to change how legal services are delivered, but the fundamental responsibilities of an attorney remain the same. Clients deserve accurate information, protection of their confidential records, and legal representation based on independent professional judgment.

At Wilcoxen Callaham, LLP, we believe that careful preparation, attention to detail, and accountability are essential to effective legal representation.

As California’s legal system adapts to new technology, these principles remain especially important for individuals and families seeking justice after an injury or medical negligence.

If you have questions about a personal injury or medical malpractice matter, contact Wilcoxen Callaham, LLP at (916) 442-277 or visit our Contact Us page to discuss your legal options.