E-mail is not private in spite of the best efforts of many users and internet service providers. While our files and notes of conversations are privileged and protected by the attorney client privilege, your computer is not. In addition, e-mail of documents is not reliable; frequently attachments are removed or altered during a message's journey.

E-mail is a fast, efficient way to exchange certain types of information. The speed with which communications can be exchanged by e-mail has altered people's expectations about when they should get a response. Unfortunately, legal advice given on short notice is often bad legal advice. We will not prejudice your case, and consequently our reputation, just to get a quick answer to a client by e-mail.

In addition, the abrupt and curtailed nature of e-mailed correspondence often leads to miscommunication and hard feelings; the nuance of personal conversation is sometimes necessary to communicate completely.

As a result, we have a few ground rules about e-mail:

1. You may use it to communicate short discreet pieces of information such as confirming appointments or court dates.
2. Do not use it for any substantive or private aspects of your case.
3. Do not expect a prompt response, e-mail is usually checked in the morning and at the end of the day, the rest of the day is devoted to court appearances, client meetings or active work on files.
4. Do not expect a response after business hours.
5. Do not expect a response on weekends or holidays.

Obviously, if there is an emergency you should call the office. If the emergency happens during non-business hours feel free to try e-mailing but remember, just because you sent it does not mean that we received it. Your e-mails should always be followed up by some personal contact.