Does this order require attorneys to disclose AI use?

Yes. The order requires both affirmative disclosure that AI was used in the filing and counsel certification that AI-generated content (citations, quotations, factual assertions) was independently verified before filing.

What are the consequences for attorneys who violate this order?

The order specifies sanctions, fees, or duties imposed on counsel personally for noncompliance, which may include disclosure to opposing counsel, mandatory CLE, monetary sanctions, or other measures at the court's discretion.

M.D. Pa.: Standing Order on Use of Generative AI (Magistrate Judge Leo A. Latella, M.D. P…

Magistrate Judge Leo A. Latella · U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

active

Verified May 8, 2026

Citation: Standing Order on Use of Generative AI (Magistrate Judge Leo A. Latella, M.D. Pa.)
Order date: June 10, 2025

Summary

Any party, whether appearing pro se or through counsel, who utilizes any generative AI tool in the preparation of any document filed in any matter pending before Judge Latella must include with the document a Certificate of Use of Generative AI.

What does the order require?

Any party, whether appearing pro se or through counsel, who utilizes any generative AI tool in the preparation of any document filed in any matter pending before Judge Latella must include with the document a Certificate of Use of Generative AI.
The certificate must disclose the specific AI tool that was used.
The certificate must disclose the portions of the filing prepared by the AI program.
The certificate must certify that a person has checked the accuracy of any portion of the document generated by AI, including all citations and legal authority.
Failure to comply with this Order may result in sanctions.
Counsel are directed to review the PA Bar Association / Philadelphia Bar Association Joint Formal Opinion 2024-200 on AI.

Practice areas: federal civil

Verify this order against the court's official website before relying on it. Standing orders are amended without notice. Requirements vary by judge and case type.

What the order requires

Magistrate Judge Latella’s standing order applies the M.D. Pa. shared “Certificate of Use of Generative AI” template (also used by Judges Caraballo and Mehalchick) to any document filed in any matter pending before him. The certificate must disclose the specific AI tool, the AI-drafted portions, and certify human review for accuracy including citations and legal authority. The order references PA Bar / Philadelphia Bar Joint Formal Opinion 2024-200 as supplemental ethics guidance.

M.D. Pa. chambers cluster

Three M.D. Pa. judges (Latella, Caraballo, Mehalchick) use the same operative template, with the same “Certificate of Use of Generative AI” requirement and the same sanctions backstop. See Caraballo and Mehalchick.

Quotable line

“Failure to comply with this Order may result in sanctions.”

Primary source

Magistrate Judge Latella’s chambers page, pamd.uscourts.gov

M.D. Pa.: Standing Order on Use of Generative AI (Magistrate Judge Leo A. Latella, M.D. P…

Summary

What does the order require?

What the order requires

M.D. Pa. chambers cluster

Quotable line

Primary source

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