When using a legal chat tool on a lawyer’s website, it is always best to err on the side of caution. While attorney-client privilege may apply, you should assume this is not the case until you get confirmation one way or the other.
There are many different types of legal chat tools that lawyers use on their websites, and figuring out who you are talking to can be difficult. You should always be careful about sharing too many details about your case using a legal chat tool.
While you can provide general information, it is better to delay speaking in specifics until you are confident that attorney-client privilege has been established.
Who Is on the Other End of a Legal Chat Tool?
Sometimes, figuring out who you are talking to when using a legal chat tool on a lawyer’s website can be very confusing. Most of the time, you are either talking to a sophisticated bot that is programmed to give human-like responses, or you are talking to an entry-level employee with the firm.
The purpose of using this chat tool is to collect basic information and pass the relevant details on to the lawyer, should you take the next steps to acquire their services for your case. In most cases, the attorney-client privilege does not apply because you are not actually talking to a lawyer.
However, since it is often unclear who you are talking to, you might be able to reasonably argue that the information you shared was privileged because you thought you were talking to a lawyer. If dealing with a small law firm, it is even possible that you are speaking directly with a lawyer.
What Is Attorney-Client Privilege?
Attorney-client privilege enables those seeking legal services to share the details about their case with a lawyer without having to worry about that information reaching anyone else.
Attorney-client privilege is one of the most essential rights people have when dealing with legal issues because if you do not feel safe sharing details with your attorney, they will not have the information necessary to build a strong case on your behalf.
Attorney-client privilege typically comes into effect anytime you are discussing your legal case with an attorney who has agreed to represent you, or who may potentially represent you.
Protecting Your Confidentiality
The best way to ensure that you are protected by the attorney-client privilege is to ask directly. If you are using a legal chat and are told that you have attorney-client privilege, take a screenshot of the conversation. If it turns out that you were talking to a bot or an employee not normally covered by privilege, it may still apply because you reasonably believe that you are protected.
In general, though, it is best to avoid getting too specific with the information you share through these services. Only share the broad strokes of your situation. There is no need to go into detail when discussing your case through a legal chat.
Whatever method of legal chat tool is being used, you should be able to get the answers to your most pressing questions without elaborating too much on your situation. Any questions that require further explanation can wait until you speak with a lawyer directly.
Use Our Legal Chat Tool to Get Started Today
If you are in need of legal representation, the lawyers at 1Law are here to help. Use our legal chat tool to reach out to us today. We can help provide you with the information you need and connect you with a lawyer who can help you build your case.
Alternatively, you can use our online contact form or give us a call. We offer free consultations, so do not hesitate to get started now.
