State Bar Association Committee on the Rules of Professional Conduct
Topic: Confidentiality; E-mail; Internet; Initial Consultation; Disclaimers
Digest of the Committee:
An attorney does not owe a duty of confidentiality to individuals who unilaterally e-mail inquiries to the attorney when the e-mail is unsolicited. The sender does not have a reasonable expectation of confidentiality in such situations. Law firm websites, with attorney e-mail addresses, however, should include disclaimers regarding whether or not e-mail communications from prospective clients will be treated as confidential.
Rules: 1.6, 1.7
The full text is available at http://www.azbar…