Short answer: Email is on every buyer's list, but in a law firm most email is client communication. Firms that pursue a license usually scope by mailbox or folder (administration, IT, vendors, marketing) and exclude matter correspondence entirely, under ethics counsel's direction.
On this page
Why buyers want email
Mode lists email and calendar first among the systems it licenses (Mode), and its FAQ asks for 5+ systems including email (Mode affiliate FAQ).
Why it's hard for law firms
ABA Model Rule 1.6(a) bars revealing information relating to the representation of a client without informed consent or an exception (Rule 1.6), and Rule 1.9 carries duties to former clients (Rule 1.9). Your state's version is the one that binds you. A single thread can mix client facts, opposing counsel and court deadlines.
Ways firms narrow it
- Only administrative mailboxes, if they hold no matter content.
- Only specific folders or labels, such as vendor or IT.
- Date or domain filters set with counsel, verified by a sample audit.
Exporting
Microsoft 365 content exports through Purview eDiscovery, with mailbox items as PST files or individual messages (Microsoft); Google Workspace uses the admin Data Export tool (Google).
This is general information, not legal advice. Talk to your own attorney or compliance advisor before you share or license any records.
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Frequently asked questions
Is calendar data less sensitive?
Calendar entries often name clients and matters, so treat them like email.
Can the buyer filter client email for us?
Mode describes removing sensitive material and transforming personal information, but deciding what is client information is your duty, not the buyer's.
Sources
- Mode / BizBuyData referral pagebizbuydata.com
- Mode affiliate FAQ (PDF, dated Oct 14, 2026)bizbuydata.com
- ABA Model Rule 1.6, Confidentiality of Informationamericanbar.org
- ABA Model Rule 1.9, Duties to Former Clientsamericanbar.org
- Microsoft Learn: Export search results in eDiscovery (Purview)learn.microsoft.com
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Export all your organization's datasupport.google.com
Referral-fee disclosure: we may be paid by a program if your company signs with it after using this site. General information only, not legal advice.
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