Wednesday, February 18, 2026
By Thomas St. Germain
SB 574: What California Attorneys Need to Know About AI Regulation
California is taking a significant step forward in regulating artificial intelligence—not for the general public, but specifically for lawyers. As of February 2026, SB 574 has advanced in the California Senate and represents the most concrete example of AI-focused legal guardrails targeting attorney use.
SB 574 establishes AI-specific requirements for lawyers using AI tools in their practice.
Why it matters
- • SB 574 establishes AI-specific requirements for lawyers using AI tools in their practice.
- • The bill focuses on AI verification & accuracy, confidentiality safeguards, and client awareness—not a blanket 'disclose all AI' rule.
- • For estate planning and family law practices, this is especially relevant given the sensitive client data involved.
- • Getting ahead of these regulations by building responsible AI practices now positions your firm for compliance.
Common life events that should trigger a review
If you're working with an attorney who uses AI, here's what you should know about the safeguards being put in place.
- • Choosing an attorney who uses AI responsibly
- • Understanding how your confidential information is protected when AI is used
- • Knowing when and how to expect disclosure of AI use in your case
Common mistakes people make
- • Assuming AI in legal practice is unregulated: California is actively moving toward AI-specific attorney frameworks.
- • Confusing AI regulation with a blanket 'disclose everything' rule: SB 574 is more nuanced—it requires responsible use within existing ethical obligations.
- • Overlooking confidentiality safeguards: The bill specifically addresses data protection for client information input into AI systems.
What to do next
- Ask your attorney how they use AI tools and what safeguards they have in place.
- Confirm that confidential client data is protected—ask about encryption and data retention policies.
- Stay informed as SB 574 advances through the legislative process.
- Review your attorney's approach to technology and ethics when making hiring decisions.
If you have questions about how AI is used responsibly in estate planning and family law, or how we approach technology in serving your family's needs, schedule a free 15-minute consultation with TSG Law.
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This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. SB 574 remains in the legislative process and is subject to change. Consult your attorney regarding your specific situation.