The Canadian Bar Association releases an AI ethics toolkit led by Karen Eltis

Technology Law, Ethics and Policy
Policy contributions
Faculty of Law - Civil Law Section
Justice balance
Professor Karen Eltis played a key role in the development of the “Ethics of Artificial Intelligence for the Legal Practitioner” toolkit released by the Canadian Bar Association. The toolkit addresses the ethical, professional, and practical implications of using generative AI in the legal field.

At a time when innovative technologies are redefining the legal profession, this toolkit provides an essential framework to help lawyers and law firms navigate emerging risks and capitalize on the opportunities offered by generative AI. By focusing on professional obligations and ethical standards, it aims to ensure responsible use of AI tools, in harmony with Canada's legal codes of profesionnal ethics. 

In particular, the toolkit emphasizes that the increased use of generative AI requires lawyers to take proactive responsibility for managing the associated risks, rather than relying solely on client consent. It also reminds us that AI can significantly affect professional obligations and that negligence in this area could result in disciplinary sanctions or compromise the integrity of the justice system. 

The contribution of Professor Karen Eltis, a Faculty member of the Centre for Law, Technology and Society and a Full Professor in the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section, to the development of this toolkit, testifies to her commitment to in-depth reflection on profesionnal ethics and regulation in a context of rapid technological transformation.  

The toolkit is available directly from the Canadian Bar Association’s website here.