What, if any, policies should be in place in the law office regarding the use of personal computers ...

(Answer to Q. 1)  With computer networks, there is the potential to adversely impact every workstation on the network and the network file server itself. Any workstation is a potential access point for software that could corrupt the system or the files stored on the system. While not common, there are instances of employees introducing annoying or potentially harmful programs to get even with an employer. Part of the solution to these kinds of issues is to limit access to the network, including limiting the ability to access the file server from workstations, limiting the ability to make changes to operating systems, and limiting activity to the saving of documents. Limiting access to files is one method to ensure confidentiality in a large office. File access can be limited by password protecting files and granting password access only to those with a need to access and work on those specific files. Because each file or file folder can be password-protected, ethical walls can be established by restricting access to just those on the legal team who are working on a case.

(Answer to Q. 2)  C

(Answer to Q. 3)  The purpose of confidentiality is to permit the client to tell their attorneys everything about their case so the attorney can give proper legal advice.

(Answer to Q. 4)  During a case or trial, the legal team will use different programs to serve specific needs. At the beginning of a case, CaseMap might be used to organize the factual issues. With a complete understanding of the issues, the organization of the documents may be efficiently handled using a litigation support tool like Summation or Concordance. The trial presentation may be organized using Sanction. With all the programs designed to allow the integration of the data from the other programs, a seamless workflow is possible, saving time and money for the client.

(Answer to Q. 5)  B

(Answer to Q. 6)  The network server typically contains the software and files that will be accessed by all the members of the legal team. The network may also provide the ability to access various printer/scanner/fax machines within the network so a document worked on by an individual on the first floor can be printed out at a printer on the fourth floor. The network will likely provide access to the Internet. In many offices the individual workstation will have some software and files, but this data should be kept to a minimum by the network administrator. The goal is for the workstation to access the network, while the server is the central storage device controlling access to what is stored.