Opening a New Law Firm

Security in the law firm context means more than just locking the door at the end of the day and securing the file cabinet. In a modern law firm, ensuring the security of computer systems and client information is paramount. Computers and the internet are essential components of virtually any law practice today.  

Technological advances have dramatically transformed the way that lawyers handle their clients’ confidential information and conduct the practice of law. These developments have created tremendous opportunities to deliver legal services in new and innovative ways, but they have also led to challenges and risks for lawyers as they strive to fulfill their ethical and legal duties to protect their clients’ information. 

While most lawyers should not attempt to be their own IT department, you need enough knowledge to properly instruct and screen your IT support. This involves understanding your software and equipment, how they can be secured electronically and physically, how they connect to the outside world, and what steps you need to be taking to manage that interaction. 

To properly protect yourself, your information and your client’s information, you need to understand the various threats that you face and then design a system of defense. This module will identify some of the main threats and then discuss the steps you can take to defend your firm against those threats.