DC Bar Op. 388 (GenAI)
DC Bar Ethics Opinion 388 — Attorneys' Use of Generative AI
DC · D.C. Bar Op. 388 (Apr. 24, 2024)
- Status
- In effect
- Took effect
- April 24, 2024
- Applies to
- All DC Bar members
- Enforced by
- DC Bar; DC Court of Appeals
DC lawyers using generative AI must understand the tools they use, supervise AI output, protect client confidentiality, communicate with clients about AI, comply with billing rules, and avoid the unauthorized practice of law by AI chatbots.
Who is protected: Clients of DC-licensed attorneys
Legal detail
DC Bar Legal Ethics Committee Opinion 388, 'Attorneys' Use of Generative AI' (April 24, 2024). Applies D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 5.1, 5.3, 5.5, 8.4 to GenAI use.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | DC |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Strength | Limited |
| Enacted | April 24, 2024 |
| Citation | D.C. Bar Op. 388 (Apr. 24, 2024) |
| Private right of action | No, agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | Attorney discipline including suspension and disbarment |
| Topics | consumer protection · AI disclosure and transparency · automated decision-making |
| Agency page | DC Bar Ethics Opinion 388 (Generative AI) |
More AI rules in DC
- DC AG Schwalb senior AI-fraud unit · In effect
- DC DOI AI Bulletin · In effect
Related consumer protection rules elsewhere
- Missouri AI Therapy Chatbot Ban (SB 1019) · In effect
- Vermont Data Broker Law (H.211) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- Arkansas Frank Broyles Act AI amendment — voice and likeness protection (2025) · In effect
- PA v. Character.AI (Fake Psychiatrist Chatbot) · Blocked / in litigation
- NAACP v. xAI (Colossus 2 Air Pollution) · Blocked / in litigation
- RI Therapy Chatbot Ban (2026) · In effect
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