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32 • TLC—For the Workplace
Fee Issues
As in all industries, the fee schedule and timely pay- ments are of concern. In our “AC” world, monetary remit- tances can be made remotely, via credit card or other digi- tal transmissions. People need not be in a physical space to fulfill their obligations to render services or payments.
Effective Use of Time
Time is precious, and when a legal counselor speaks with a client, there are typically numerous issues that must be addressed. Without boundaries, the conversation can go on ad infinitum. Therefore, during a conference, either in person, via video- conferencing, or phone, the at- torney can either set a hard-stop to the conversation or indicate the amount of time allotted for a given session. Both parties must consent to that stipulation. Attorneys make themselves available via email and specify their of- fice hours, which can either take place in person or over the Internet.
New Ways of Communicating
For Legal Practitioners and Clients
With increasing frequency, attorneys are utilizing vid- eo-conferencing or phone communications with their cli- ents instead of requiring in-person meetings. This prac- tice is particularly beneficial to those clients and attorneys who have underlying conditions that make them more susceptible to disease. Accommodations must be made for those who are predisposed to such conditions, and attor- neys must ensure that clients’ needs are met without com- promising the privacy or quality of their communications. In turn, clients must cooperate with the attorney’s best ef- forts to preserve their confidential communications, and to the extent possible, preclude all distractions during the video-conference or phone.