Many lawyers think their internal messages will never see the light of day, let alone become an exhibit at a trial. Unfortunately, internal law firm communications have become a significant form of evidence used by clients in malpractice or fee dispute cases. Infamous examples include emails disparaging the client or encouraging questionable billing practices, such as encouraging associates to ‘‘churn that bill, baby!’’

In the coming weeks, we will publish a four-part series defining various topics of problematic emails:

• What does a damaging email look like?
• When can damaging emails be made public?
• What problems are created by damaging emails?
• How do you prevent damaging emails?

  by Melissa Lessell
  mlessell@deutschkerrigan.com
  504 593 0689