Points that apply when seeking to work in any other business
Notice: you need to give notice to the Director of Operations and Compliance of your intention to work for another firm. We will then note this in our register of conflicts. Not only is this an important regulatory requirement, but it avoids the embarrassment of you finding a colleague on the other side.
Culture: we have a vibrant collegiate culture at Keystone. This relies on colleagues actively taking part in both the business and social aspects of the firm. We would ask that your working in another business is not allowed to impact your responsiveness to colleagues and clients. You must ensure that your Keystone work is still undertaken promptly and to the highest standards.
Data: you must keep all Keystone and client data confidential. Confidential data will naturally be present on the devices you use for your Keystone work. These devices are secured by a number of pieces of software licensed by Keystone. To ensure that all confidential data remains safe and ring-fenced, you must not use any device on which you store Keystone data to work for any other business. In practice this means you need a different laptop for your other work. For clarity, you can access your Keystone account from your other (i.e. non-Keystone) device over webmail or using NetDocs, so long as you don't download any Keystone data at all to that other device. While you can't use the same laptop, you can use the same mobile phone. This is because the software we deploy on your phone ring-fences the Keystone data. Whatever device you use, you must take great care to ensure all Keystone and client data is retained in the Keystone environment and not put in the environment of another business. You have an absolute duty of client confidentiality. Your working arrangements for the other business should be as separate as possible, e.g. separate computers, separate offices, separate filing trays etc. You should not discuss Keystone matters with any in-house colleagues and not discuss any in-house matter with any Keystone colleague.
Non-poach: You must not ask any colleague to work with you in your other business. This does not apply to a Pod Principal in respect of other members of the same Pod.
Use of IP, email and services: you must not use any Keystone/Keystone supplied support, resources or IP in any other business. It is especially important you never use your Keystone email account for non-Keystone work. This can cause major liability issues and data protection issues.
Regulatory You must explain to any person who might mistakenly consider themselves to be your client that during your other role (i) you are not acting as a solicitor, your actions are not legal advice and are not privileged, (ii) you do not have PI insurance and that your work will not be covered by the Solicitors Compensation Fund, (iii) you are not regulated by the SRA (but do note that the SRA Principles will still apply to you), and (iv) you that you are not covered by the Legal Ombudsman Scheme.