Using Legl for ID checks

[MumLegalAdvice]

Looking for advice on using Legl for identity checks.

To complete some legal documents remotely we have been asked by the solicitor to use Legl, “aimed at equipping law firms with best-in-class, AI-enhanced digital solutions to complex legal problems.”

However family are advising to go to the office in person to protect my data.

I’ve never questioned using online ID checks before. Does anyone have any experience or concerns with them? I am trying to look into it but I don’t know in looking for beyond usual concerns with using my data for AI mining.

Legl are a legit, data secure company. Family have worked for them which is why your post caught my eye

Thank you. I’m not questioning their legitimacy so much as the security of their product - at least my family is.

I actually think I can do all the diligence I want but it won’t be as thorough as however many legal firms have chosen to use them. But I have to ask around anyway.

I wouldn’t use any such service especially if an alternative exists. Go into the office.

Has the law firm given you the option to go into the office?

We have the option to go into the office but it’s hours away and I have young kids so it’s challenging.

I’ve also done these ID checks remotely before, albeit with different solicitors and different companies. I didn’t question it then, and I wouldn’t question it now if my family were not telling me. If I went into the office they would photocopy my passport anyway.

@PithyScroller @LittlePetitePsychopath what are your specific concerns?

I'd rather use a data secure service than have some random office photocopy/scan my ID, which could end up anywhere.

My firm don't allow in person checks because realistically, we as solicitors can't spot fake documents. All has to be done electronically. I think it's a small risk to accept.

The firm I work for uses Legl. The directors of the firm are very hot on using the latest technology. We're a mainly remote firm and it seems to work well.

As to how secure it is- I'm an internal auditor, so I have access to everyone’s files. Sometimes a colleague has done the Legl check but forgot to download it to their file. To view the report on Legl I have to request that a code is sent to my work email address. That's on top of my password for the system.

Thank you. So a firm would store all ID documents on legl anyway, even those who do their ID check in person?

I think it very much depends on the firm's policy OP. The one I work for has Legl as the standard requirement. All our fee earners are self-employed consultants, so they can choose to visit their clients to help if necessary (rare).

My firm uses Legl. It's very secure. to be honest I don't think your family knows what they're talking about.

With all digital services, it's a question of when the breach occurs, not if.

Good luck operating in the world not using digital services

Knowing something will fail (all things fail) is not really a good reason not to use it, depending on it's utility.

It is however a very good reason for being prepared for the failure.

Hi does one prepare for stealing biometric data though. There is nothing you can really do or change once it’s gone.

And yes I agree, I don’t think it’s any safer with the government or apple
or any organisation or company really.

You prepare by accepting that everyone around you (including and especially yourself) is incompetent and generally any successful outcomes are more accidental than planned.

That way you are unsurprised when the government fails to calculate the VAT on a bid, or accidentally destroys 50 years worth of irreplaceable records, and thus better place to deal with it. The old adage about preparation and inspiration being a truism 😀