Internet Communications Pose New Liability Issues

Law firms, which are as much a part of the e-commerce world as any enterprise they advise, are more often offering clients protected access to their personal case information over the Internet. <br/>Clients expect their attorneys to use the most modern communications technologies, including the Internet. Using the Internet, through the firm's Web site, to communicate with clients and other attorneys can be fast, efficient and cost-effective. Providing confidential information over the Internet, however, can increase legal liability for the law firm. As of now, courts and bar associations provide little guidance for lawyers facing these new ethical and legal issues.