The Colorado Supreme Court has invited public comment on proposed amendments to the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct (RPCs) to explicitly address the ethical and professional implications of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in legal practice. The amendments aim to clarify lawyers’ duties of competence and diligence in an era of rapid technological change.
The proposed revisions include a new paragraph [20A] within the Scope of the RPCs and modifications to Comment [8] and a new Comment [9] under Rule 1.1 (Competence). These changes would require lawyers to remain informed about relevant technological developments, including the capabilities, limitations, and risks of AI tools, to ensure their effective and ethical use in delivering legal services. The revisions underscore that technological literacy is now integral to professional competence and client protection.
The Court has scheduled a public hearing on 17 December 2025 to discuss the proposals, with written comments due by 1 December 2025 and speaking requests by 5 December 2025. Submissions must be made in formal letter format and sent to the Colorado Supreme Court via email.
This initiative reflects a broader recognition among U.S. jurisdictions that the increasing use of AI in legal research, drafting, and case management requires explicit regulatory guidance. By codifying technology-related competence standards, Colorado seeks to align its ethical framework with contemporary practice realities and to promote responsible innovation within the profession.