Now that many companies are using e-mail instead of "snail-mail", sadly standards are dropping. Letters that are sent out by post are normally carefully checked for layout, spelling and grammar. It is vital to apply the same standards to your external e-mails. Whether you are using e-mail to send draft pleadings and affidavits to other solicitors to obviate the need for re-typing, or sending directions or other information to your clients, your e-mails must be well formatted and easy to read.

Tips for making your e-mails look good

• Use HTML format
  This allows you to use all the text formatting and enhancements that you are used to in Word.
  
• Use spellcheck as you type
  To turn this on in Outlook, go to Tools, Options, Spelling
  
• Use Signatures
  To set this up in Outlook, go to Tools Options, Mail Format