Author Question: Explain how today's methods of electronic communication can pose possible violations of client ... (Read 57 times)

torybrooks · **on:** Aug 3, 2018

Explain how today's methods of electronic communication can pose possible violations of client confidentiality. How can a paralegal guard against this?

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Question 2

List some tasks that paralegals can, and often do, perform.

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lorealeza · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 3, 2018

Answer to Question 1

mproper use of cellular phones, fax machines, and e-mail poses the potential for violating client confidentiality. Cell-phone conversations can be overheard by anyone with a scanning device, faxes can be accidentally sent to the wrong person or fax number, and e-mail can be accidentally sent to the wrong address.
Paralegals should take special care to avoid discussing confidential matters on cell phones, to confirm a fax number before sending the fax itself, to verify an e-mail recipient's name and address before sending the e-mail, and to follow office policy about when it is appropriate to send confidential information electronically and when it is not.

Answer to Question 2

The types of tasks that may be legally performed by paralegals are virtually any legal task that is supervised by an attorney. Exceptions include tasks that are considered to be the practice of law. Paralegals may interview clients and witnesses, investigate legal matters, draft legal documents for attorneys' signatures, attend will executions (in some states), appear at real estate closings (in some states), and, in some state or federal agencies, may represent clients before the agency. There may be more tasks that paralegals may perform, depending on state law.