Text, Email, and Ethics: Safeguarding Client Communication

Sarah E. Kay | Kay Family Law PLLC

Sarah E. Kay, through her firm Kay Family Law PLLC in Tampa, Florida, assists Florida’s families as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law and Appellate Mediator and a collaborative attorney. She also extends her expertise to solo and small firms throughout Florida with freelance research, writing, and consulting services.

Sarah’s leadership is exemplary. Notably, she served as the Chair of The Family Law Section of The Florida Bar during its 50th anniversary year (2023-2024), as President of the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers (2017-2018), President of the Hillsborough County Bar Association Leadership Institute Class of 2013, and Co-Chair of the Hillsborough County Bar Association 5k Pro Bono River Run Committee in 2013 and 2014.

Her commitment to learning is evidenced by her advanced degrees and certifications. Sarah is Board Certified in Marital & Family Law by The Florida Bar and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). She holds a Juris Doctor degree, a Master’s in Education, and a Master’s in Business Administration. Additionally, she has earned professional certifications in Special Education Advocacy from William & Mary Law School, Fundamentals of Neurodiversity from FSU, Trauma & Resilience Levels 1 & 2 from FSU, Rebound & Recovery Cognitive Behavioral Education & Intervention for Early Childhood from FSU, and Conflict Resolution from Cornell.

Sarah is passionate about speaking, writing, and consulting on technology, alternative dispute resolution, the practice of law, and cases involving special needs children.

I. Ethical Considerations for Attorney-Client Communication | 2:00pm – 2:20pm

• Ethical Considerations for Client Communication
• Strategies For Safeguarding Client Confidentiality in Attorney-Client Communications Through Technology and Processes
• The Importance of Maintaining Accurate and Complete Records with Client Communications
• Available Technology for Client Communications
• Best Practices in Client Communication

II. Understanding Technology and Multi-Jurisdictional Concerns | 2:20pm – 2:40pm

• The Importance of Understanding Technology Used to Communicate with Clients
• Strategies For Staying Up to Date with Technological Advancements
• Understanding The Legal Implications of Practicing Law Across Multiple Jurisdictions
• Strategies For Navigating Multi-Jurisdictional Concerns in Remote Work Settings

III. Avoiding Miscommunications and Inadvertent Disclosure of Confidential Information | 2:40pm – 3:00pm

• The Dangers of Misusing “CC” And “Reply All” Features in Email
• Strategies For Avoiding Miscommunications and Unintended Disclosures
• Strategies For Promptly Notifying Clients of An Inadvertent Disclosure of Confidential Information

Break | 3:00pm – 3:10pm

IV. Understanding the Risks of Inadvertent Disclosures and Public Wi-Fi | 3:10pm – 3:40pm

• The risks of inadvertent disclosures and public Wi-Fi
• Strategies for recognizing and addressing inadvertent disclosures
• Strategies for secure communication over public Wi-Fi

V. Use of AI powered tools like ChatGPT in Client Communication | 3:40pm – 4:10pm

• How to use AI-powered tools like ChatGPT in Client Communications
• Understanding the ethical risks when using AI-powered tools like ChatGPT
• Strategies for secure communication and data protection when using AI-powered tools like ChatGPT