In the digital age, the convenience of receiving legal advice online has become a game-changer for many. At ILA Australia, we specialise in providing independent legal advice remotely, making it easier for clients to access expert guidance from the comfort of their homes.
However, one critical aspect that remains paramount in this process is the verification of our clients’ identities.
Why Identity Verification Matters
Ensuring the identity of clients is a fundamental practice for any legal professional, particularly when providing advice online over a video call. Here are several reasons why this step is essential:
1. Legal and Ethical Obligations
Lawyers have a duty to comply with legal and ethical standards. In Australia, the Legal Profession Act and various professional conduct rules mandate that lawyers must verify the identity of their clients. This obligation helps to prevent identity fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities.
2. Maintaining Confidentiality
The lawyer-client relationship is built on trust and confidentiality. Confirming a client’s identity ensures that sensitive information is only shared with the rightful person. This practice protects clients from potential breaches of privacy and ensures the integrity of the legal advice provided.
3. Preventing Fraud
Online services, while convenient, can be susceptible to fraud. By verifying identities, lawyers can safeguard against fraudulent claims and impersonations. This verification process acts as a deterrent to those who may attempt to exploit legal services for malicious purposes.
4. Enhancing Client Trust
Clients who know that their lawyers are diligent about identity verification can feel more secure and confident in the legal advice they receive. This practice demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and thoroughness, which can enhance the overall client experience and trust in the law firm.
Methods of Identity Verification
At ILA Australia, we employ various methods to verify the identities of our clients during online consultations. All of which can be done with a smartphone, tablet or computer. These methods include:
1. ID Verification
We ask clients to access a third-party verifier (via their smartphone or online) to upload 100 points of government-issued ID, such as a driver’s licence or passport. This step allows us to confirm the ID is valid.
2. Person Verification
In addition to verifying your ID, we ask that you provide a ‘selfie’ and a short video reading a special code provided by the third-party verifier. This step identifies the person who completed the ID verification step.
3. Video Call Verification
To add an extra layer of security, we then review that ID and Person Verification and ensure that the person on our video call matches the ID and selfie. This step confirms that the person we are communicating with is indeed the verified client.
Conclusion
At ILA Australia, our priority is to provide high-quality, secure, and independent legal advice to our clients.
Verifying the identity of our clients is a crucial step in maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of our services. By implementing robust identity verification processes, we can offer our clients peace of mind and the assurance that their legal matters are handled with the utmost professionalism and care.
For more information on our services, please visit our website or contact us directly.
