Free email in the Legal World: The unknown risk
In today’s legal world it is clear that the most important tool that a lawyer can have is email. Given that fact, it is incredible to think that some businesses still use a free email service. The reason for my concern lies within the "fine print". I know that the "fine print" is often overlooked by most people, but it is still important. All, and I do mean ALL, free email services are in control of the email service provider and not the business that is using them. All free email services include a provision in the user agreement that states that they can terminate any account at any time! That means your saved emails, address book, inbox and sent box are theirs for the taking. In an instant without warning your company can lose everything. Is that really the type of law firm you want to run?
Another very large issue for a lawyers is privacy. Clients too often, despite how many time you might tell them, still email confidential information to there attorneys. If you are using a free email service provider like AOL or Yahoo they can read your email. They can sell it, market to your clients, post it on a blog and even read it out loud. Yes, it is in the privacy agreement. We send goofy pictures of what you did last weekend, no big deal. Although it is a different issue if your client sends you a private confession. A leak of confidential information is a damaging event that can easily be prevented. Legal Design Services has been securing emails for years. Your email can be yours and be secure.
There is a cheap alternative. A law firm can hire Legal Design Services to host and setup their email. These services put the power back in your hands. As long as you pay the bill, your service will continue. That is a guarantee that every company needs. The best part of all is the fact that these services often cost less than ten dollars a month with a small startup fee.
No firm or practice should be using a free email service, period. The cost to have your own email service is far less than you think; furthermore, the cost of not having your own email is far greater than you ever considered.
Please do not take my word for it. Ask yourself a few questions. Would AOL, Microsoft or Yahoo lose money on email service? Did you read every word of the service agreement you signed when you registered for your free email account? Here are the words you may have missed:
Yahoo!
You agree that Yahoo! may, under certain circumstances and without prior notice, immediately terminate your Yahoo! account. This includes any associated email addresses and access to the service.
Microsoft
Microsoft reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate your access to any or all MSN Sites/Services. Also, without notice, they may terminate all related services or any portion thereof at any time.
America Online
America Online reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate your access to all or part of this site, with or without notice.The easiest and best solutions is to hire Legal Design Services to handle setting up your firm with a complete email solution. Call us today for a no obligation needs analysis. 314.968.0500 or info@legaldesignservices.com
