Law Firms · AI Governance
AI governance for
Australian law firms.
Fee earners are already using AI on client matters. Without governance, you have privilege exposure, APP non-compliance, and no audit trail. Govara fixes that — before December 2026 enforcement begins.
The risk
What keeps GCs and
managing partners up at night
Shadow AI on client files
Fee earners paste client instructions and confidential documents into ChatGPT, Copilot, and other AI tools — often without the firm's knowledge. Privilege waiver and client confidentiality obligations are immediately at risk.
No APP-compliant disclosure
Under APP 1.7, your privacy policy must disclose how AI systems handle personal information. Most law firm privacy policies were written before generative AI existed — creating OAIC exposure from December 2026.
Nothing to show regulators
When the OAIC, a client, or your PI insurer asks "what AI governance do you have in place?" — you need documented policies, training records, and vendor risk assessments. Right now, most firms have none.
The platform
Three modules built for
law firm AI governance
1
AI Tool Inventory
Connects to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace to surface every AI tool accessed by fee earners and support staff — sanctioned or otherwise. Builds a live register with data types, risk exposure, and department breakdown. The foundation of any AI risk assessment for a law firm in Australia.
2
Policy & Disclosure Pack
Generate an AI acceptable use policy tailored to law firm obligations — including client confidentiality, privilege, and professional conduct rules. Includes APP 1.7–1.9 compliant privacy disclosure updates, AI vendor risk assessment templates for each tool, and staff training with attestation logging.
3
Audit Evidence & Trust Centre
Immutable audit log of every policy review, training completion, and vendor assessment. Export to PDF for PI insurers, client due diligence questionnaires, and OAIC inquiry responses. Publish a Trust Centre so clients know you govern AI seriously.
Compliance obligations
The regulations
your firm needs to meet
Privacy Act 1988 / APP 11 — secure handling of client personal information when processed by AI tools
APP 1.7 — transparent disclosure of AI data handling in your firm's privacy policy
APP automated decision making disclosure obligations from December 2026
OAIC AI compliance 2026 — new enforcement powers under the Privacy Act amendments
Legal professional privilege obligations — AI tools that transmit client communications can waive privilege
Law Society professional conduct rules — duty to supervise AI use by employed solicitors
Start with a two-week
AI Readiness Assessment
AI Readiness Assessment
We map every AI tool in your firm, identify your APP compliance gaps, and deliver a board-ready governance report. Fixed fee — $5,000.
Book AssessmentOr email us at hello@govara.com.au