Law Practice Essentials

You are required to maintain technological competence (Rule 3.1-2 of the Code of Conduct, Commentary [5] and [6]). You should understand the technology you use in your practice including risks and benefits. You also have an obligation to supervise employees or consultants to ensure they maintain technological competence.  

The duty of technological competence is related to functions such as:

• conducting legal research;
• communicating with clients;
• maintaining the continuity of a practice in the face of interruptions; and
• maintaining privilege and confidentiality.

It is also your responsibility to ensure that staff are ethically responsible. Protection of confidentiality must always be top of mind. It is up to you to ensure that staff using technology can do so while protecting confidentiality.