Plain-English AI definitions for legal professionals. For what bars actually require, see the Legal AI Compliance Register.
legalai.help

AI governance

Risk and governanceLast reviewed 2026-07-01

DefinitionThe framework of policies, roles, processes, and controls an organization uses to direct and oversee its use of artificial intelligence—covering tool approval, acceptable use, risk review, training, and accountability.

In more depth

Governance translates abstract principles—accuracy, confidentiality, accountability—into concrete mechanisms: who may use which tools, with what data, under what review, and who answers when something fails. In legal organizations it typically spans professional-responsibility duties, client confidentiality commitments, and emerging AI regulation. Mature programs cover the full lifecycle, from vetting and approval through monitoring, incident response, and periodic audit.

Related terms

AI policyAI auditShadow AIHuman in the loop (HITL)

About the editor: MHSB Solutions, Research desk. MHSB Solutions is not a law firm. This glossary is educational information, not legal advice.

Educational information, not legal advice. AI terminology and tools change quickly; definitions reflect usage as of the last-updated date. For what bar associations and courts actually require of lawyers using AI, see legalaicompliance.help and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.