As cyber threats continue to evolve, so does the legal landscape for attorneys. Mandelbaum Barrett PC Privacy and Cybersecurity Chair Steven Teppler recently wrote for the New Jersey Law Journal on “The Expanding Universe of Attorney Cyber Liability.”
In the article, Steven emphasizes that law firms are prime targets for cybercriminals due to the sensitive information they manage, such as trade secrets, personal data, and financial records. The rise of sophisticated cyberattacks—phishing, ransomware, and data breaches—combined with vulnerabilities introduced by remote work, has amplified these risks.
Lawyers have ethical and legal responsibilities under rules like New Jersey’s RPC to safeguard client and third-party data. A failure to do so can result in malpractice claims, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage. Firms must also navigate a complex patchwork of regulations, including HIPAA and data breach notification laws.
To Mitigate Liability, Law Firms Should:
- Adopt robust cybersecurity measures, including encryption and secure communications.
- Train employees on best practices and implement strict data access controls.
- Clearly communicate cybersecurity policies and breach notification procedures to clients.
- Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with regulations and evolving threats.
By addressing these challenges proactively, law firms can protect their clients, adhere to ethical obligations, and reduce exposure to legal and financial liabilities.
You can read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3AZ6V8l
Find out more about our Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group here.