Full AI Policy page — v2 with ℠ and rule citations
Barker Richardson, PLLC · LawVana.com
Effective March 2026 · Reviewed annually
At LawVana and Barker Richardson, PLLC, we believe that how we use technology is just as important as how we practice law. This policy explains our use of artificial intelligence tools — openly, in plain language, because you deserve to know.
That is not just a tagline — it is a commitment. Artificial intelligence tools assist our firm in legal research, document drafting, client intake processing, and case analysis. AI helps our small team work with the speed and depth of a much larger firm, delivering what we call "Little Firm, Big Results."
We are among the first law firms in North Carolina to embrace AI transparently as a core part of our practice — and we believe that is a competitive advantage for our clients, not a liability.
Every AI-assisted work product — every draft, every analysis, every document — is reviewed, edited, and approved by a licensed North Carolina attorney before it is used in your matter. AI does not sign pleadings. AI does not advise clients. AI does not make legal judgment calls.
Your attorney does. That will never change.
Governing rule: NC RPC Rule 5.3 — Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistance
The NC State Bar treats AI-generated work product similarly to work performed by nonlawyer staff. The supervising attorney is responsible for ensuring that AI outputs are competent, accurate, and ethically compliant before use in any client matter. We take that obligation seriously.
The NC State Bar has made clear that competent representation in 2026 includes understanding the benefits and risks of the technology an attorney uses on your behalf. We don't just use AI — we study it, evaluate it, and hold it to the same standard we hold our own work.
Governing rule: NC RPC Rule 1.1 — Competence
Rule 1.1 requires attorneys to provide competent representation, which includes keeping current with changes in the law and — per the NC State Bar's 2023 ethics guidance — understanding the capabilities and limitations of technology used in client matters. Our AI practices are designed to meet and exceed this standard.
We use enterprise-grade AI platforms with strong data privacy protections, and we do not submit confidential client information to any AI tool without deliberate, controlled handling. We do not sell client data. We do not allow AI platforms to train on client communications.
We continuously evaluate our tools against evolving NC State Bar guidance on technology in legal practice.
Governing rule: NC RPC Rule 1.6 — Confidentiality of Information
Rule 1.6 requires attorneys to make reasonable efforts to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of client information, including information processed by third-party technology platforms. Our AI vendor selection, data handling protocols, and usage policies are all designed to satisfy this obligation.
AI may assist with
AI never replaces
If you have questions about whether AI was used in any aspect of your matter, you are entitled to ask — and we will tell you. Transparency is not just a policy here. It is a professional commitment.
℠ Service Mark Notice: "AI-Assisted. Attorney Approved. Always Transparent." is a service mark of Barker Richardson, PLLC, with a federal registration application pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, International Class 045 (Legal Services). Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Questions about this policy?
Contact Barker Richardson, PLLC · 844-LawVana (844-529-8262) · info@lawvana.com
This AI Policy governs every LawVana service. The same standards, the same oversight, the same transparency — whatever matter brings you to us.
If anything here raises a question, call us. We will answer in plain language.
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