BestPrACtiCesforsoLosAnDsmALLfirmswHoAreworkingremoteLY
Solo & Small Firm Section
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Law offices typically have the infrastructure in place to maintain and protect client confidentiality — secure physical storage , office space for confidential conversations , and a secure internet connection . Lawyers working from home or some other remote location , however , may not always have the infrastructure in place to maintain and protect client confidentiality . Fortunately , there are actions that lawyers can take to meet their duty of confidentiality when working remotely .
First , a lawyer should ensure they are connected to a secure internet connection . Options include not working on a public internet connection , using a virtual private network ( VPN ), and utilizing two-factor authorization when accessing the firm ’ s network . Further , a lawyer should ensure that they have a private workstation , preferably a separate room with a door that can be closed . Even then , one should use headphones during phone calls or video conferences to reduce the likelihood of others hearing confidential information . A privacy screen also decreases the possibility of unauthorized persons seeing anything confidential . Finally , having secure storage space to file documents and having an at-home shredder to dispose of documents prevents someone from accessing confidential information . Lawyers need to ensure their subordinates are also taking similar precautions .
As lawyers continue to practice outside the traditional law office setting , they must remember that the Model Rules apply to remote work just as much as inoffice work . Ensuring their compliance with the Model Rules can lead to a successful practice located from anywhere they so choose . n
Authors : Rick Duarte & W . Austin Engelbrecht – The Duarte Firm , P . A .
Solo & Small Firm Luncheon / CLE onseptember15 , thesolo & smallfirmsectionheldaCLeontheimportanttopicofadvertisingwithsocialmediaunderthe rulesregulatingthefloridaBar . speakersmadisonHeddingandDavidwaldronwithmarketingagencywhitewhalesolutions discussedtherelevantportionsofsubchapter4-7oftherulesregulatingthefloridaBar , examplesofadvertisementsthatadhere totherules , andeasy-to-implementsocialmediastrategy .
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