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Fraud, its Effect on Society and Steps to Counteract it

On average, every adult in the UK loses £765 annually either directly or indirectly through fraud. The cost of products, services, and taxation all rise, thanks to this criminal behaviour. In 2010, The National Fraud Authority estimated that fraud cost £38.4 billion. Every sector, from public to charity, is affected by fraud.

But how do you protect yourself?

Always Verify Businesses

Some companies will ask for your personal details, but don’t cough-up unless you’re sure the business is a reputable and upstanding organisation. Often fraudulent groups will masquerade as already established companies. Check out the legitimacy of their request for personal information before you hand over your details.

Be Wary Of Your Email Account

Spammers and fraudsters often resort to preying on individuals through email. If you receive an email from your bank, asking you to confirm your account information, delete and block the sender immediately. Your bank will never ask for important details through your email account. Contact your bank about any suspicious email correspondence.

Thoroughly Destroy Important Documents

If you wish to recycle any documents which include your bank details or contact information, shred them first. Any bank cards should be cut up before being thrown away, otherwise a fraudster may try to steal your identity.

Protect Your Computer

Always make sure that your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and that your firewall is up. Without this protection, your computer is exposed. Malware opens up your system to hackers, who can then upload your personal information.

While shopping online, always choose to do the transaction through ‘Verified by Visa’ or ‘MasterCard Secure Code,’ if given the opportunity. If you can, make online payments on a credit card, as you’re guaranteed greater safety. Additional layers of security can’t do any harm, even with reputable online retailers.

Remember to change your passwords often. ‘Password’ is not a real password. Instead, choose something complicated and unobvious; preferably containing capitalisation and numbers. Click here for some advice about password creation.

Act Quickly

If you receive receipts for items you haven’t purchased, contact your bank immediately. Always carefully check your statements for unfamiliar payments. Your identity might have been stolen.

You can also garner a free credit report every year, but if you switch between credit bureaus, you can request one every four months. Scan through your details and see if you can spot any credit cards or accounts in your name, which you didn’t open.

Be Cautious

If someone contacts you about business deals, feel wary. If the offer seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. At the very least, research the business deal first, before you give anyone your details.

Ask For Advice

There are many non-profit organisations which can discuss fraud with you. Try Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Here, you can report fraudulent behaviour and find out your rights, if you’re a victim of criminal activity.

Prepared for Burton Copeland serious fraud solicitors, who research latest news stories and compose insightful opinions on them in an attempt to raise awareness of approaches to prevent this type of crime.

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Paralegal Schools for Career Advancement

If you are getting ready to graduate from high school, or are just completing your general ed requirements at university, than it is time to decide how to continue your education and get prepared for your career. There are many options available to you, but one area to consider is paralegal schools.

If you are interested in the legal field, but have not yet decided that you are ready to commit to law school, becoming a trained paralegal may be the answer for you. There are several reasons to consider this possibility. First, being a paralegal is a great career in and of itself. Second, paralegal training is a good stepping stone to becoming a lawyer later on.

Paralegal Jobs

The US legal system is a complex and fascinating field to study. Working as a paralegal will give you the opportunity to be involved in this fast paced and demanding arena. Choosing to become a paralegal is a great career option. The time and money that you will spend on your education are significantly lower than if you plan to attend law school. However, paralegals are paid quite well and there is high demand for trained professionals. As a paralegal, you will have the chance to perform many of the same duties as an attorney, so you will find it very interesting and challenging.

Also, once you have been working in the paralegal field for a while you will find that you have a great head start should you choose to pursue an advanced law degree. Even if you are already certain that you want to be a lawyer, going to paralegal school and practicing in the field is a good investment of your time and money.

Being a paralegal will give you firsthand knowledge and background of working in a law office. You will have the opportunity to work under a practicing attorney; it is like an internship, but with significantly more responsibility and better pay! It will also give you professional contacts that you will be able to use later in your career.

Whatever career direction you choose to take, getting into the legal system will provide you with steady and secure work and paralegal schools can help you to achieve this. As a paralegal professional, you will learn about current laws and court procedures. You may also become familiar with one or two areas of specialization, depending on the law office that you work with.

If further study to become an attorney is a possibility in your future, you will be interested to learn that many schools which offer law degrees will count both your paralegal training and your work experience in the field towards your advanced degree.  This way, working as a paralegal professional will not only provide you with education and work experience, but may also earn you credit towards your J.D. Be sure to speak with an advisor or counselor at your school to see if this arrangement will be honored in your program.

However, once you begin working as a paralegal professional, you may decide that this line of work is exactly what you want.  It does not need to be a “stepping stone” to a different career in law, as it is a highly prestigious career in itself.  You will be performing essential functions, have job security, and gain a deep sense of personal satisfaction in your work. Your essential role as a paralegal is certain to meet and exceed your expectations.

No matter what your reasons, continuing your education by attending one of the many reputable paralegal schools in this country is a great career move. Whether becoming a paralegal is your end career goal or a step towards further education, you will gain knowledge and experience that will give you a great introduction to this fascinating field.

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Paralegal Training: What to Expect

There are many different ways that you can receive paralegal training. These are as varied as online coursework, getting a two year Associate’s Degree from a local community college, or completing a four year Bachelor’s program with an emphasis on Paralegal Studies. Some people even attend law school level courses. Currently, in the United States, there is no required curriculum to become a paralegal. If you are interested in entering this field, you have many options to pursue the paralegal training that is best for you.

Education is a key factor in becoming a paralegal, so whatever educational track you choose, you will be given the basics to prepare you for the exciting field of paralegal work. Your training will give you knowledge and skills that will help you in your tasks of assisting a supervising attorney.

Basic paralegal training consists of an overview of the US legal system as it has developed over time, modules on specialty areas of the law and training in the specific skills that you will need to perform your duties. Paralegal training is interesting and complex. You will be responsible for learning a lot of material, but you will never be bored. By dedicating yourself to your chosen field, you will soon become well versed in understanding the laws of this country.

Your basic paralegal coursework will teach you all about the American courts and judicial systems. This will include a history of these systems and how they have evolved into what they are today. You will gain an understanding how the courts work in your specific state, both in terms of the law and the roles of legal representation. You will also become well versed in the details of codes and procedures for both the civil and criminal arenas. Overall, you training will give you a comprehensive understanding of the workings of the courts and justice system as a whole.

During your training, you will learn about various specialized areas of law. These include, but are not limited to, business, family, tax, corporate, criminal and other types of law. You may choose to focus on a particular area of study, but you would do well to make sure that you are familiar with all of these areas, as they are all very common in today’s legal system. Being prepared to work within any of these areas will increase your ability to find employment when you enter the field.

In addition to knowing about the law, being a paralegal requires you to be competent in a number of different skills. You need to be proficient working with computers, know math, and have great written and verbal communication skills. These will be a part of your everyday work life, so if you don’t feel strong in any of these areas, you might consider taking additional courses. You will also probably be tasked with interviewing clients, using spreadsheets, operating data bases and  conducting research. You must be able to do all of these quickly and efficiently.

Now, it is up to you to select which program to attend and which specific courses or area of study you want to focus on. No matter where you study, if you are diligent and dedicate your self, your paralegal training will provide you with all of the knowledge and skills that you need to enter to the exciting and growing field of law as a paralegal.

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Save Money by Avoiding Driving Offences

Each year, the amount of money us speed lovers in the British Isles pay out on driving offences just gets bigger and bigger – we seeming petrol-heads are just getting more driving offence fines! And this is bound to only keep on increasing, as it was recently reported that the Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke has put the wheels in motion on a plan to up the current driving fines from £60 to an eye-watering £100!

Clearly, we have to end our love affair with high speeds and dangerous driving. If you want to avoid splashing out on a completely unnecessary expense (as well as sidestep the hassle of dealing with points on your licence), then it would be wise to watch out for some of the most common driving offences.

Here they are, coincidentally, in handy list form! Avoid them; avoid fines.

Speeding

Unsurprisingly, speeding is the most common driving offence out there. Expect that reliable old friend, the fixed penalty fine of £60, to show up, as well as a perfectly lovely three points on your license, sir or madam.

And that’s if you simply break the speed limit by 10%. The punishment will only increase as your speed does – if you are caught doing double the limit (or over a ton), expect an immediate ban. Two years without your car: not much fun!

Drink-Driving

Drinking and driving, or a DUI (driving under the influence) is a very serious offence, as you’d imagine it would be. It is, rather sadly, quite common too, but that doesn’t make it any less severe.

It is completely unnecessary and utterly preventable, but puts many lives at risk. You won’t be surprised to learn that the punishments for being caught drink driving are harsh – you’ll get a pretty lengthy driving ban, as well as a possible jail sentence, especially if you harm someone or cause an accident.

The best way to avoid being caught under the influence? Don’t do it.

Using a Mobile Phone

This one is becoming ever more common as mobile phones continue their global prevalence in our lives. Although you may think it’s a stupid thing to be punished for, the reality of the matter is that it’s a very dangerous thing to do – anything which takes your attention away from the road is a big ol’ no-no.

This is another offence that you can expect to receive the fixed penalty fine for (but remember, guys and gals, that it may be about to rise), and police are on the lookout for it more than ever, so you are more likely to get caught! Be safe – don’t talk, text or browse and drive.

What You Can Do

Well, first of all – don’t commit any sort of driving offence! That’s the simplest way to avoid punishment and save money. If, however, you do get caught – mistakes can happen! – try visiting www.drivingoffence.com for some motoring solicitors, helping reveal your next steps.

There are loopholes available. Though that may seem shady, they are perfectly legal, and they open up the chance of you avoiding those pesky fines and troublesome points on your licence.

Prevention is still the best cure though, so drive safe.

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Discriminating Against Same-Sex Couples: Charity Status Stripped from Adoption Agency

Recent investigation, conducted by the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Family Research, into the quality of life of adopted children under same-sex parents, revealed that children are just as well parented under a homosexual couple than a heterosexual one (surprise, surprise).

The common misconception is that kids are bullied at primary school for having gay parents, but the study showed that this was not the case – the vast majority were free from discrimination. In fact, secondary school posed the greater threat for discrimination against a child’s same-sex foster parents.

It was also uncovered that children’s gender and sexuality are also unaffected by having same-sex parents, which will hopefully quieten down the fears of “gaywashing” young people. As if a leopard can change its spots.

Same-Sex Couples Seen As Last Resort

Judging by the actions of St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society in Glasgow, however, this adoption agency doesn’t agree with the University of Cambridge’s findings. In fact, homosexual couples were discriminated against when applying for adoption, in favour of heterosexual couples (preferably Catholic), who’d been married for at least two years.

Following a complaint from the National Secular Society, The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) was forced to review the practices of St Margaret’s, in view of a breach in the 2010 Equality Act.

Although OSCR concluded that St Margaret’s was providing a valuable service to the public, they were given until April 22nd to comply with equality legislation, or lose its charitable status. That means no more corporation tax cuts or rate discounts for this adoption agency if they don’t mend their ways.

Some officials described the move as “equality extremism,” including John Deighan – a Scottish Catholic Church parliamentary officer.

But when did offering every human being equal rights become a radical notion in the 21st century? Must have missed that memo.

OSCR’s Plans for St Margaret’s

In a statement, OSCR defended its decision to strip St Margaret’s of their charitable status, as discrimination of same-sex couples is hardly an altruistic or generous thing to do. OSCR stated that St Margaret’s no longer qualified as ‘acting in the public benefit’ and that OSCR has a duty to take measures against organisations that breach the Equality Act 2010.

The National Secular Society has welcomed this move by the OSCR and recommended that St Margaret’s drop their connections with the Catholic Church, so their charitable status can remain unblemished. They’ve surely been on the phone to their charity solicitors about this issue.

Described as ‘crude discrimination,’ the actions of St Margaret’s no longer have a place in a society that accepts same-sex couples, instead of stigmatising their partnerships. Especially seeing as much of the money St Margaret’s receives comes from public tax payers’ pockets, whatever their religion or sexuality.

However, Mike Russel, SNP Education Minister, expressed regret that OSCR’s decision would affect the ‘best interests’ of the children at St Margaret’s, which he assumedly thinks are to be brought up Catholic and by heterosexual parents.

But if we can send children to homes where open-mindedness, understanding, and tolerance are preached at the dinner table, have these children really missed out?

Composed on behalf of Barlow Robbins charity solicitors who specialise on a number of issues surrounding charities and helps to resolve any complications such as the above.

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Key Steps to Follow after an Accident at Work

After an accident at work, you may be in a lot of pain and unsure of what to do. We’ve taken out all the hard work in this article; all you need to do is follow these stages:

Medical Attention

Every company should have a trained first aider in the house who can attend to any injuries. Afterwards, you should visit A&E or your local GP. From a legal perspective, you must receive medical attention as soon as possible. Not seeking out a doctor can be seen as an attempt to exacerbate injuries.

Reporting Your Injury

After you’ve received medical attention, it’s important that you report the incident to the relevant office at work and log the details in the accident book – all businesses should have one of these. Make sure your manager also knows. When you receive an accident report, take the time to read through its contents before you sign. Don’t sign the document if there is any information you don’t agree with.

Talking To Witnesses

If your accident is due to occupational negligence, it’s a good idea to take a picture of the scene. Also, take down the contact details of witnesses who saw the incident happen. Make notes of what happened, so you can reference to this later (it’s amazing what the brain can forget with time).

Find out if any other accidents like this have happened before; pursuing this case isn’t just about getting the compensation that you deserve but making sure that no-one else falls foul of health and safety malpractice.

Get Legal Advice

You could be entitled to work compensation for the accident, if the company is at fault. While you’re convalescing, you won’t be getting paid (or will be receiving statutory sick pay, at the most). Record the wages you’ve lost due to your injury and consider making a claim.

Talk to a ‘no win, no fee’ solicitor to make sure you have a case. It’s unlikely that he or she will take you on, if your claim isn’t strong enough to win, as the lawyer won’t get paid.

You may need to attend an independent review of your injuries from a medical professional, for legal purposes; but other than that, wait until you’re healed up. Pursue your case only when you feel well enough. Although you have a three year leeway on bringing a claim to court, the fresher the case, the better.

Negotiations

Once you’ve got a solicitor on-board, enter into negotiations with the company for a compensatory pay out. It’s in everyone’s best interests to keep the case out of court, so it’s ideal if you can make a settlement now. If the company refuses to give you the compensation you deserve, and your lawyer gives you the go-ahead, don’t be afraid to escalate the case.

Always record any expenses you’ve paid for that are related to your injury. You may be able to claim these back on top of your compensation.

Jigsaw Law are specialist personal injury solicitors with a focus on work related injuries – visit their team for further advice relating to a claim.

Visit their address here: Jigsaw Law Ltd, Pioneer House, Pioneer Business Park, North Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH65 1AD or follow them on Twitter @jigsaw_law

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Personal Injury Really Is a Serious Thing!

Are you thinking about finding someone to handle your personal injury case? If you are, we have one thing to say to you: hurry. Personal injury is such a touchy subject for many people. It’s right there in the name: it’s personal. It’s not something that’s happening to someone that you don’t know. It’s happening to you. It’s happening to someone you love. It’s happening to someone that you’re supposed to protect. Either way, an accident that isn’t your fault definitely hits home. You just have to make sure that you’re covering all of your options as soon as possible. It’s quite possible to not take it as seriously as you should and end up losing the opportunity to collect money in the first place. What would your family be able to do with that type of compensation? Could it mean a new life? Could it mean being able to pick up the pieces that much easier?

Thinking about the type of world that you want to have is very important. You have to consider the way your life actually should be. Otherwise you’re just going to end up spinning your wheels in the long run. That’s not a position that anyone really wants to be in if they can actually help it.

This is where personal injury lawyers come in. Even though you might want to try to handle it all by yourself, this is not the type of case that you want to try to tackle on your own. The world of personal injury is incredibly complex — there is indeed a reason why your lawyer had to go to school for a while in order to get the hang of everything. You can’t just go in as a layperson and hope that you’ll connect the dots on your own. You have to make sure that you’re tackling things appropriately — with the help of a legal professional.

They’re not just going to help you out in terms of getting the most compensation for your case. They’re going to actually be your advocate. This means that you can’t be pressured into taking some lowball offer from the insurance company. That means that you won’t have to give in to family that hopes you’ll just give up because it’s too much work to collect anything. You have to be in charge of your family’s future, one way or the other. It’s not appropriate to just assume everything will fall into place. You have to make it happen on your own terms.

Start with a free consultation to see where your personal injury case actually stands. That’s the way to go!

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Paralegal Jobs and the Possibility of Specialization

A single extremely important idea that you might not have considered regarding your arrangements to be a paralegal is the fact that whereas lawyers have many fantastic choices within customized areas associated with laws, you will probably get these types of alternatives with assorted paralegal jobs open to you! This is going to be a great chance for you to operate in the particular vicinity that you are interested in the most as well as your individual curiosity will assist you to build your own skills, to enable you to provide much more excitement for your career!

The initial step you need to consider would be to look at what exactly is obtainable in the place in which you intend to work. You will most likely locate a variety of lawyers and private practice legal professionals that work in general law, a few that handle a mixture, plus some that focus on particular career fields. Although many of these have rewards, wouldn’t you receive a lot more fulfillment out of your work as well as your daily job activities if you choose to select one of the paralegal jobs which suit your needs the best?

There are numerous alternatives, however, you shouldn’t find it hard to pinpoint the one that peaks your own curiosity. There are private practice lawyers and attorneys that focus on criminal law, business law, family law, tax law, and a number of others. Your own preliminary selection to become a legal assistant most likely had some extent of effect on curiosity about the actual legal industry, which means you will most likely believe it is possible that one particular distinct variety will certainly blow you away practically instantly.

There are several excellent motives to consider when choosing a specialty inside the area of paralegal jobs. One particular rationale is that your own career provides you with the unparalleled chance to discover first-hand almost precisely what you should know about this particular area. When you’re working away on a day to day schedule, you won’t just possess hands-on practical knowledge within the area of law in which you’re interested probably the most, you will probably have the advantage of dealing with the lawyer that practices exclusively in that vicinity. Presently there is really little which has the possibility to give you such a lot of fulfillment as doing work at something by which you’re genuinely fascinated.

One more reason for thinking about a specialty would be that the excitement which you produce can be really optimistic for your lawyer as well as other people that will work inside your business office. Because excitement is actually contagious, the fact that you simply possess a substantial curiosity about what you do may guide your whole work place to become a lot more enjoyable.

Any time you select a area of expertise, you will probably appropriately feel like you’re making an essential contribution. Rather than just carrying out a number of paralegal jobs, you’ll be positively endorsing your industry simply by doing the work very well. In the event that you want your work to have a massive amount of fundamental knowledge, common law could be ideal for an individual, but when you’ve got a specific concern in mind, being employed as a paralegal within a specific field of law could be the perfect choice for you personally!

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Paralegal Salary: Motivated by the Money?

For those who have resolved to go into the workforce and start earning a paralegal salary, you might be enthusiastic about listening to exactly how your daily life could be enriched simply by doing work in this excellent area! Your paralegal work can come to suggest a lot more for you than simply the spot where you invest 8 hrs of the day time.

To begin with, you are making the smart choice associated with choosing a profession by which you’ll be economically comfortable. Doing work as a paralegal won’t cause you to be rich, however if you intend to generate a comfy living, this particular type of job will help you in doing this. Dependent on the details in the region where you reside, the paralegal salary is generally a properly competing rate of pay. An individual may also be happy to learn that many law offices in places you might ultimately choose to work will even provide great added benefits.

Second, the actual paralegal industry happens to be probably the most in-demand career fields that you could discover. Because not only lawyers and private practice legal professionals but additionally increasingly more companies and organizations of numerous varieties tend to be choosing to make use of the expertise of legal assistants. For those who have effectively finished their education the cool thing is that you’ll be similarly productive in locating and becoming employed in the work that you would like.

Nonetheless, the actual ways that your daily life could be enriched through being employed as a paralegal go substantially past these all-important, fundamental aspects such as a great paralegal salary. A person is going to be thrilled whenever you understand how satisfying your brand-new profession can be in your daily life.

For those who have a love for knowledge, for that legislation, as well as for individuals, your own paralegal profession will enrich your daily life a lot more than imaginable. Your each day work life will probably be stuffed to the brim and there will be thrilling, interesting things to master! You will have an important role within the legal system, no matter which specific type of legal assistant work you decide to take on. Your own enthusiasm with regard to looking after and assisting individuals, and interest for that neighborhood in particular, will see a pretty substantial place in your everyday work existence whenever you are employed in the paralegal industry.

On top of these types of essential resources which you’ll acquire from both your work and the job that you do, you can’t afford to discount the significance of all the individuals with whom you’re working with on a daily schedule. Whenever you share exactly the same work area and from time to time the identical amount of work the folks inside your workplace may become brand new relationships, improving your own social interaction. The individuals with whom you’re working may also be of great importance and help in assisting you to progress your job.

Being employed as a paralegal is far more than simply employment and earning that paralegal salary which will insure a good future! Almost everything that you do every day, as well as everyone you’re able to know along the way, will begin to enable you to observe that the life of a legal assistant includes a lot more than merely earning money and it’ll make available to you an excellent selection of possibilities which will significantly boost each and every essential factor in your life.

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Paralegal Job Description

For those who do not know the actual paralegal job description or field of training, the overall general opinion would be that the person’s function within the law workplace is made up mainly of menial duties. Most of these tend to be those who have never labored as a legal assistant, and in all likelihood don’t know individuals who have experienced this line of business.

Even though a paralegal’s function is recognized as in terms associated with helping the actual supervisory attorney, there’s a significantly massive amount of obligations and responsibilities that truly fall under the class of the actual paralegal job description. Because the primary function of a paralegal would be to lighten up the particular amount of work for the lawyer, it’s much more reliant on assigning essential, appropriate duties, instead of performing the actual worthless duties that the lawyer himself merely doesn’t wish to accomplish.

An example would be a case procedure. It is frequently the paralegal that has the job associated with searching out the most up to date requirements of law and process which are probably the most highly relevant to the case that the legal professional is going to be focusing on. Because a number of these tend to be susceptible to regular modifications, the legal assistant should figure out not just what’s related but exactly what may be the most up-to-date.

Selecting clientele and potential clients is yet another job typical inside the paralegal job description with regard to legal assistants that are employed in a law firm.  She is additionally frequently given the job associated with interviewing witnesses. In addition to effectively finishing paralegal training, it is crucial that the legal assistant possess superb connection abilities, both in composed as well as spoken styles.

Within specific areas, the paralegal might also be seen in the courtroom. Regardless of whether she’s specifically coping with witnesses inside a court case, or just looking after all the required documents, you can easily note that a legal assistant features a crucial function within the legal system. As you can observe, the actual role of a paralegal includes a lot more than merely trying to keep the law workplace working efficiently. Although this can be a some of it, obviously, it’s undoubtedly not really the biggest section of a paralegal’s typical workday.

Considering a paralegal to be nothing more than a glorified assistant is very much an injustice towards the genuine paralegal job description as well as very false. Equally in general understanding and also the responsibilities one is likely to carry out on a regular schedule ought to make this type of individuals expert position clearly seen.

Initially, the actual skills associated with helping a lawyer indicates a paralegal should have a complete summary of the legal system, along with the details, to be able to execute these types of duties without needing to consider other people with questions regarding what’s required as well as what can be done.

Secondly, she should also have the ability to execute every one of the required duties, frequently within the lawyer’s absence. Even though a paralegal is actually employed by a lawyer, there are lots of responsibilities which she should satisfy with out his actual appearance.

Regardless of whether a paralegal is employed by an individual lawyer within his personal practice, or whether she’s part of a sizable law practice, it ought to be obvious that the paralegal job description represents an important purpose, equally within and outside of the office.