Gmail Is About to Get More Lawyer-User-Friendly

Lawyers, are you ready for your Gmail to finally get the update you wish it had years ago? The two most exciting features in this update might actually save you a couple minutes. One is something so simple that you may not have even realized you wanted it, while the other is just awesome.

Soon you will no longer have to open a separate tab to calendar something from your Gmail. In addition to this earth-shattering update, another free feature, known as Smart Replies, will be debuted. This feature allows messages to be automatically generated via machine learning, which you'll be able to send with a single click. Notably, dealing with opposing counsel may be getting a whole lot easier.

Can Lawyers Use Gmail?

For some lawyers out there, and some communications, no email client will cut it. However, for the most part, Gmail is secure, encrypts your messages, and looks more professional than a yahoo.com or aol.com or hotmail.com address (though that's not saying much). 

The stink about Gmail relates to the lack of privacy when it comes to the company's advertising practices. Basically, when you use the service, the Google bots read everything in order to deliver the best advertising experience to you. Creepy, yes. Ethical violation for an attorney to use Gmail, no. Another free email service provider, probably not. Wait ... What?

Free Email Services

As explained over half a decade ago on Lawyerist, using a free email client that is not secure and does not have privacy policies that ensure your attorney-client privilege is maintained, is likely an ethics violation. As the author explains, Google's terms explicitly state that the contents of email communications remain confidential between the sender and recipient. However, other services might not be so explicit, or committed to its users' privacy.

Related Resources:

• Mind-Reading Tech Coming to a Law Firm Near You? (FindLaw's Technologist)
• FTC Puts Manufacturers on Blast Over Shady Warranty Policies (FindLaw's Technologist)
• Google Assistant Is Ready to Assist Your Law Practice (FindLaw's Technologist)