Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Check Your Emails for Politeness

Author: Dan Brecher

Date: February 18, 2014

Key Contacts

Back

Have you ever received an email not meant for you? Worse yet, have you sent one to the wrong person yourself? What about sending a message with an embarrassing typo or a word missing that makes you wish you had not sent your message?

It is usually the speed at which  we chose (or need) to function that contributes to the absence of normal conversational courtesies and the presence of typos or other mistakes that are daily occurrences for too many of us in our email and text communications. Obvious solutions include  to slow down and (most important) make sure we look at what we have written before we hit the send button.

Because we have moved to far greater informality in our communications, a few additional suggestions may be helpful in avoiding the embarrassment that our ever increasing speeds and shortcuts can cause. For example, many of us are forgetting to maintain in our emails and texting some of the courtesies that we take for granted in our telephone and in person conversations.

Here are a few suggestions that you can keep in mind:

  •  Use the recipient’s name in a salutation or, at least, somewhere in the message.
  •  State the subject, especially in the subject line of an email.
  •  In an email chain, if the subject changes, then change what is stated in the subject line.
  •  Use words such as “Please” and “Thanks.”
  •  And, NEVER send an email or text to vent your anger. All too often, I have seen that come back to haunt the sender.

Remember, emails can be used as evidence in litigation, and are often introduced as powerful evidence. That is one good reason to reread what you are about to send before you press the send button. I’ve said that twice here for good reason.

If you have any questions about this post, please contact me, Dan Brecher, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work. 

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
When to Settle and When to Fight: A Litigator's Framework post image

When to Settle and When to Fight: A Litigator's Framework

Every lawsuit comes with a cost, and knowing when to settle a lawsuit is one of the most consequential decisions a business owner will face. Experienced litigators understand how to minimize cost and obtain certainty for their clients. For many business owners, the decision is viewed almost entirely through a financial lens: What will it cost […]

Author: Sean M. Pena

Link to post with title - "When to Settle and When to Fight: A Litigator's Framework"
A Whistleblower Just Filed a Complaint Against Your Company: Here's What to Do Now post image

A Whistleblower Just Filed a Complaint Against Your Company: Here's What to Do Now

Few situations create more uncertainty than learning that an employee has filed a whistleblower complaint. Questions arise immediately: Is the allegation legitimate? Should the employee be placed on leave? Do we need to notify our insurance carrier? Are we now prevented from disciplining the employee if there are unrelated ongoing work related issues? There is […]

Author: Sean M. Pena

Link to post with title - "A Whistleblower Just Filed a Complaint Against Your Company: Here's What to Do Now"
Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors: An Alternative to Bankruptcy for Distressed Businesses post image

Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors: An Alternative to Bankruptcy for Distressed Businesses

When a business reaches the point where it can no longer service its debts or otherwise resolve its liabilities, management is often faced with a difficult question: is a bankruptcy filing necessary or is there another way to perform an orderly liquidation or sale of the business assets? While Chapters 7 and 11 of the […]

Author: John D. Giampolo

Link to post with title - "Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors: An Alternative to Bankruptcy for Distressed Businesses"
Breaking Down New Jersey’s “Mansion” Tax: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know post image

Breaking Down New Jersey’s “Mansion” Tax: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

For many years, the New Jersey Mansion Tax has been a significant consideration in high-value real estate transactions. Recent legislative changes, however, have substantially altered how the tax operates, including who is responsible for paying it and the amount owed in certain transactions. Whether you are purchasing, selling, or investing in New Jersey real estate, […]

Author: George McGowan

Link to post with title - "Breaking Down New Jersey’s “Mansion” Tax: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know"
Estate Planning for Digital Assets Under New Jersey Law post image

Estate Planning for Digital Assets Under New Jersey Law

As our personal and financial lives increasingly move online, estate planning must evolve to address a new category of property: digital assets. From email accounts and social media profiles to cryptocurrency and cloud-stored business records, these assets often carry both financial and sentimental value. Yet, without proper planning, they can become inaccessible—or even lost—upon incapacity […]

Author: Marc J. Comer

Link to post with title - "Estate Planning for Digital Assets Under New Jersey Law"
The Role of Representation and Warranty Insurance in M&A Transactions post image

The Role of Representation and Warranty Insurance in M&A Transactions

In today’s mergers and acquisitions market, representation and warranty (R&W) insurance has become a common feature of deal negotiations. Once used primarily in larger transactions, R&W insurance is now frequently incorporated into middle-market deals as buyers and sellers look for efficient ways to allocate risk and close deals. When structured properly, R&W insurance can help […]

Author: George McGowan

Link to post with title - "The Role of Representation and Warranty Insurance in M&A Transactions"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.
“If you would like to submit a file, please email it directly to info@sh-law.com.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!