TheFormTool Calls on State Bar Associations to Draw a Red Line on AI in Legal Practice

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 16, 2025--

TheFormTool, a leading provider of secure, offline legal automation tools, today issued a public call for state bar associations to take a principled stand against the unsupervised use of artificial intelligence in the practice of law.

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At issue is more than innovation. It is ownership, it’s control. It’s the very future of the profession. When generative AI systems draft documents, advise clients, or shape arguments without a lawyer’s direct oversight, the legal process is no longer legal — it’s algorithmic. Privilege, confidentiality, and professional responsibility cannot exist without a Lawyer in the Loop™ (LITL™).

TheFormTool is urging state bars to draw a clear boundary: no legal services without a Lawyer in the Loop™. This principle, LITL™, is the line between tools that support lawyers — and tools that pretend to replace them.

“LITL™ is not just a guideline,” said TheFormTool CEO Bob Christensen. “It’s the Alamo of legal ethics — a point beyond which the profession cannot retreat. A human lawyer must remain responsible for what clients see, sign, and submit. Otherwise, they are no longer practicing law. They’re letting software practice it instead, often without informing the client.”

Privilege is at risk when no lawyer has reviewed or approved the result. Privacy becomes porous when data is shared with external systems for processing. Ownership of legal work becomes uncertain when AI generates the substance.

While a few bar associations — including California, Florida, and Texas — have begun to explore these issues, most have yet to fully engage. “TheFormTool commends those states that have taken first steps,” Christensen added, “but every jurisdiction has an obligation to clarify that the practice of law requires a practicing lawyer. The silence of others leaves lawyers and clients exposed.”

About TheFormTool, LLC

TheFormTool, LLC develops intelligent document automation tools trusted by thousands of law firms and professionals worldwide. Its products operate entirely offline, with no external connections or data leakage. By design, they preserve confidentiality and privilege, while delivering unmatched speed and accuracy in legal drafting — all under direct lawyer supervision.

For more information on AI and Lawyers: https://theformtool.com/lp/security/

TheFormTool Calls on State Bar Associations to Draw a Red Line on AI in Legal Practice

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Giants are signing defensive back Jason Pinnock to a contract for next season, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday because the move had not been announced.

Pinnock, who turns 27 one June 30, returns to a familiar place after spending last season with the San Francisco 49ers, playing in all 17 regular-season games and starting seven.

As a fifth-round pick of the Jets in 2021, Pinnock played his rookie year with them. He spent the 2022, ’23 and ’24 seasons with the Giants before departing in free agency.

Pinnock coming back makes him part of a rebuilt secondary for new coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. He has played safety for most of his professional career.

New York also signed cornerback Greg Newsome and agreed to terms with safety Ar'Darius Washington, the latter of whom is one of at least four former Baltimore Ravens players following Harbaugh to his new team.

“I just feel like this is an up-and-coming team,” Newsome said Friday on a video call with reporters. “We’ve got a lot of guys on that front that can rush the passer, can do a lot of great things. The secondary, we’re all pretty young, and got a lot of potential. That was something that really intrigued me.”

The Giants lost starting cornerback Cor'Dale Flott to Tennessee, and it could turn out to be another training camp competition for who gets the No. 2 spot opposite Paulson Adebo. Last year, Flott beat out 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks, who may get a clean slate with Harbaugh and new staff in charge.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

FILE - New York Giants safety Jason Pinnock (27) in action during the NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola,File)

FILE - San Francisco 49ers safety Jason Pinnock (25) reacts during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez, File)