BIS is running a webinar on Thursday 13th August, 12:30pm to 1:30pm on ‘How to respond to unsolicited requests from lawyers.’ The presentation will be led by the law firm, Gilchrist Connell and followed by a Q&A session. This presentation is for staff and leadership who would handle these types of communications.
We strongly encourage you to make the time to attend and invite others in your church or organisation that may also be appropriate.
Many of our constituents have been in the situation where they receive a letter from plaintiff law firms. The nature of these approaches varies, but the common thread is that these firms are making broad and speculative requests for records, documents, and information, often in the absence of any filed proceedings, court order, or properly particularised claim.
This in turn has led some of our churches, schools and ministry organisations to be understandably unsettled by this contact and uncertain as to their legal rights and obligations in responding.
What is your obligation in these circumstances? Are you legally obliged to provide the documentation requested or is it a breach of privacy? These questions and more will be answered.
Glen Thornley
Insurance Manager SA & NT