---
title: "AI for solo lawyers: a practical guide to getting started"
url: https://notionforlawyers.com/post/ai-for-solo-lawyers-practice-guide
updated: 2026-10-17
author: Raghav Handa
---

# AI for solo lawyers: a practical guide to getting started

Solo lawyers can use AI safely by starting with low-risk, high-repetition tasks such as summarising non-confidential text, drafting routine emails and restructuring notes, keeping client data out until the tool's terms are reviewed, and checking every output. Leave legal judgment, final advice and citations to yourself.

## Key takeaways

- Start with tasks where an error is cheap to catch.
- As a solo you are the supervisor, so build a review habit from day one.
- Confidentiality terms decide what you can paste in.
- Track time saved against time spent checking.

## Good first tasks and tasks to avoid

| Reasonable to start with | Leave for later or avoid |
| --- | --- |
| Summarising public or anonymised text | Relying on AI for case citations |
| Drafting routine client emails | Sending AI output unreviewed |
| Turning notes into a structured file note | Pasting identifiable client data into untested tools |
| Brainstorming issues or questions | Giving final advice based on AI output |


## A low-risk first month

1. Week 1: Read the data terms of one tool and decide what you will never paste in.
2. Week 2: Use it on public or invented material only; practise prompts.
3. Week 3: Apply it to anonymised real tasks and note review time.
4. Week 4: Keep what saved net time; drop the rest; write a short firm policy.

Professional guidance on generative AI, such as ABA Formal Opinion 512 (July 2024) in the United States, deals with competence, confidentiality and supervision. Check your own bar or regulator for current rules where you practise.


## A one-page AI policy for yourself

- Which tools are approved, and on what plan.
- What information may never be entered.
- How outputs are verified and by whom (you).
- When clients are told AI is used.
- How you record use on a matter.


## Where LawyerOS fits

LawyerOS is the organising layer: matters, deadlines and, in Pro with AI ($39), actions, time, clients and research. Its Custom AI Agents page explains setting up Notion agents on your own data. It is a template and does not include an AI model of its own.

Verify before use: Always verify AI output before relying on it. Check every fact, quotation and citation against the primary source, and follow your own bar or regulator's guidance on confidentiality and supervision.

- Notion for solo lawyers and small firms: https://notionforlawyers.com/blog/notion-for-solo-lawyers-and-small-firms
- Custom AI agents for lawyers: https://notionforlawyers.com/post/custom-ai-agents-for-lawyers


## FAQ

### Is AI safe for a solo lawyer?

It can be, with careful tool choice, anonymised inputs and consistent review.

### Do I have to tell clients I use AI?

Rules and expectations vary. Check your regulator and consider covering it in your engagement terms.

### How much time does it save?

It depends on the task. Measure net time after review rather than assuming.

### Which tool should I buy first?

Start with the tool you already pay for, if its terms suit, and test before you add more.