Kennyhertz Perry Partner Braden Perry was recently interviewed by Ragan.com about the timely issue of email discretion. Perry, a cybersecurity attorney who trains companies in email usage and emerging technological topics, provided the following advice: Communicate what you need to communicate, and only that. Leave sarcasm and jokes for the water cooler.

“You should always think that any email you write could be published on page one for all to read,” he says. “Ask yourself: Is it necessary to write? Or can I call and provide the same information?”

As a former federal enforcement attorney, Perry knows the dangers of errant emails. Frequently, an email would be the smoking gun necessary for prosecution.