The SB 574 AI Compliance Opportunity: A 4-Step Independent Law Firm SMB Playbook

California SB 574 (signed Sept 30, 2026, effective Jan 1, 2027) is the first state law telling lawyers how to use generative AI: protect client data, personally verify every citation, disclose AI use in court filings, and never delegate the practice of law to a machine. A 4-step playbook turns the compliance deadline into a marketable edge for solo and small firms. Real tools: Clio, Spellbook, CoCounsel/Westlaw, Smith.ai.