by Traverse Legal, reviewed by Enrico Schaefer - April 24, 2008 - 'The Greatest' Philosophy
I recently posted The Etiquette of Email. As a follow-up, Peter at the Solo In Chicago blog provides great insight into the appropriate use of email:
I’m amazed at the vitriol I see written via e-mail particularly from clients and on lawyer list serves. I really think that the impersonal nature of e-mail (typing on some electronic device by yourself) really brings out the worst in people. My personal policy is absolutely if there needs to confrontation or criticism, do it in person or over the phone. Time and again I see a tone of communication from people that they would NEVER express verbally but when it’s not really expressed to a person but rather just typed into a box there’s inappropriate anger.
I couldn’t agree with Peter more. Email is a great way to transmit information. It is a terrible communication device. If anything serious is happening in a case, a phone call is mandatory. A follow-up email is fine.
As a founding partner of Traverse Legal, PLC, he has more than thirty years of experience as an attorney for both established companies and emerging start-ups. His extensive experience includes navigating technology law matters and complex litigation throughout the United States.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Enrico Schaefer, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing Business, IP, and Technology Law litigation attorney.
