Update on using work email – American Bar Association says lawyers must caution clients of risks
We continually warn about the use of work email accounts to correspond with your attorney:
- 3 tips for safe emailing with your attorney;
- Using a company computer to email your attorney may be a bad idea
- Emails from work computer can waive rights to privileged communications
The American Bar Association has now opined that lawyers should “warn the client about the risk of sending or receiving electronic communications using a computer or other device, or e-mail account, where there is a significant risk that a third party may gain access.” Although the ABA’s opinion is not binding upon any state regulatory bar association, it is likely that state bar associations, like the Virginia State Bar, will review this opinion with interest.
Client Email
Most of our communications are not private, even though we think they are. Work emails are not secure. Regardless of whether lawyers are required or suggested to warn clients, it is not a good idea to use your work email account to email your attorney.
Tarley Robinson, PLC, Attorneys and Counsellors at Law
Williamsburg, Virginia
John Tarley
John is the firm's managing partner and chairs the firm's small business, zoning, and litigation practice areas.
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