UACDL runs a “listserv” that we call the forum. A listserv is simply a group of people who can send an email to one email address which then sends a copy of that email to all other members. It’s a convenient form of communication with a broad group of people that can be accessed through one’s email inbox. UACDL’s listserv is found on lists.uacdl.org and is only available to current UACDL criminal defense attorney members.
Use of the listserv is conditioned upon your agreement to these policies. Please note that these policies may change and you agree to those changes by continued use of the listserv.
Listserv topics must be about criminal defense in Utah.
Off Topic Emails
You may post “off topic” emails, like referrals for attorneys in other practice areas so long as you start the subject line “Off Topic” or “OT.” Repeated off topic requests are not permitted. There’s no exact science here, but we will generally allow more off topic emails from attorneys who provide valuable contributions. You’ll get a warning if you post too many.
Political Posts
UACDL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We don’t support specific candidates, and we don’t allow the listserv to be used to support candidates. We treat this seriously and discourage anything that can be remotely construed as supporting a specific candidate in local or national elections. Criminal justice often intersects with political, so political statements that directly connect to criminal justice are permitted. But use common sense about whether your message would reasonably be understood as political endorsement of a particular position or an endorsement of a pro-criminal justice topic. That said, UACDL will always support political messages against the death penalty.
Business Solicitations
You may not use the listserv to advertise for your legal or non-legal business. If someone asks for a recommendation for a particular kind of lawyer for a non-defense purpose, you can identify yourself as someone who practices in that field. You may not identify yourself as providing any non-lawyer service though.
Offensive emails
We don’t tolerate offensive emails. Use your common sense. Posts that are negative about other UACDL attorneys or may embarrass them, along with any posts criticizing either public defense or private defense are not allowed. The job is tough enough for us to not bring each other down.
Ethical Posting
You have an obligation to protect client information as provided by the rules of professional conduct. It is your obligation, and yours alone, to ensure that no email you send violates your obligations. Seek legal counsel if you have any questions. Emails to the listserv are archived. We can delete emails from the archive upon request, but we can’t claw back emails that are sent to other listserv members. Please note that if you reply to a listserv email without changing the identity of the person you are responding to, your reply will go out to the entire listserv.
Although only active Utah defense attorneys are allowed on the listserv, please keep in mind that it is not a secure forum. Emails or topics are occasionally leaked, and we have no way of tracking emails once they are sent out on the listserv.
Sharing listserv emails
Listserv emails, including attachments, may not be disseminated to non-listerv members.
Job change
If you change your job to a non-criminal defense position, you must notify us immediately and stop accepting listserv emails.
AI Posts
If you are going to respond to an email using generative AI as a source of information, you must clearly indicate that your information has come from generative AI at the beginning of the message.
Listserv policing
While UACDL’s executive director and board monitors the listserv, the primary responsibility for ensuring that no violations of this policy occur is on you and other members. Please be respectful as we all work to make sure the listserv works well for everyone.
Other violations
Don’t mark listserv emails as spam. It can cause access problems for others. Also, don’t post messages that fall outside the spirit of the listserv. You can tell what the listserv is meant for by looking at the emails that people send. Don’t gossip, share hurtful rumors, etc. This is a professional listserv for attorneys to draw on each other’s experience and wisdom to advance criminal defense in Utah. If you are unsure about whether a message would violate listserv policies, email [email protected].
Suspension and Ban
A flagrant violation of these rules may result in your access to the listserv being suspended. Otherwise, you’ll receive a warning via email. Continued violations will result in a suspension or ban. If you feel you are being unfairly targeted, reach out to UACDL’s president or a member of the board. Just remember, we’re a private organization, not the government. Our goal is to be fair and inclusive, but we reserve the right to decide what that means.