State Bar of Michigan releases comprehensive report on AI and the legal profession
The State Bar of Michigan today released a comprehensive special report assessing potential risks and benefits of the use of artificial intelligence on the legal profession.
The report, “Transforming the Legal Profession in the Age of AI,” offers important insight into how AI can, is, and will impact the practice of law; outlines important ethical considerations; dissects the intersection of AI with unauthorized practice of law and access to justice; and looks at developing public policy issues.
“This analysis is designed to help all Michigan attorneys to move forward with confidence, to continue to adapt and evolve, and to better understand fundamentally how AI will impact our world and our profession,” said Joseph P. McGill, president of the State Bar of Michigan and chair of the Board of Commissioners’ AI Workgroup, which authored the report.
The report is available online at michbar.org/AI. The full report can be downloaded as a PDF or readers can flip through an online version of the report.
The AI report is intended to be a living document that is updated as AI continues to evolve and as the legal profession continues to better understand the potential and the ramifications of AI. The report outlines attorneys’ obligation to understand AI, to consider how AI might help them better serve clients, and to be aware of all ethical considerations related to the use of AI in their legal practice.
“AI programs should only supplement, not substitute, a lawyer’s work,” the report states.
In the area of practice management, the Age of AI Report delves into the function of document review, e-discovery, legal research, legal drafting, contract drafting and analysis, document storage, outcome prediction, cybersecurity, and more.
In the area of ethics, the report specifically assesses Michigan attorneys’ obligations based on their duties of competence, diligence, communication, reasonable fees, confidentiality, candor toward the tribunal, supervision, judicial duties, and law school duties.
The report also looks at the enforceability of unauthorized practice of law against AI, the pros and cons of AI in efforts to improve access to justice, and efforts to regulate AI. It also offers recommendations to the State Bar of Michigan to ensure it continues its work to educate and inform Michigan attorneys about AI in the legal profession.
“I am thankful for the hard work, research, analysis, and insight provided by members of the AI Workgroup,” McGill said. “I commend their leadership, expertise, and commitment to developing this important report to help all Michigan attorneys.”
The AI Workgroup was appointed by 2023-2024 SBM President Daniel D. Quick. Members of the AI Workgroup include:
- Joseph P. McGill, chair, 90th president of the State Bar of Michigan, and member at Foley, Baron, Metger & Juip;
- Ashley Lowe, SBM commissioner and chief executive officer of Lakeshore Legal Aid;
- Gerard Mantese, SBM commissioner and chief executive officer at Mantese Honigman PC;
- Gerry Mason, SBM commissioner and owner of Gerry Mason Law Offices PLLC;
- Takura Nyamfukudza, SBM commissioner and partner at Chartier & Nyamfukudza PLC;
- Nicholas M. Ohanesian, SBM commissioner and Hearing Office Chief Administrative Law judge for the Social Security Administration;
- David R. Watson, executive director of the Institute for Continuing Legal Education;
- Katherine Garner, SBM assistant executive director; and
- Robinjit Eagleson, SBM director of Lawyer Services.
Posted: June 11, 2025