Not for Big Law Only – Cyber Security for the Small Law Firm and Solo Practitioner (OnDemand)

Originally held on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Program Chair:
Joan C. Lenihan
Joan C. Lenihan, Attorney at Law

  • The specter of cyber criminals compromising valuable data from banks, accounting firms, and “Big Law” is a scenario that has become increasingly common in today’s high tech world. But Small Law Firm owners and Solo Practitioners do not have sufficient data of value to entice hackers. Or do they? According to ABA’s 2021 Legal Technology Survey Report, the reported percentage of firms experiencing a breach ranged from 17% of solos and firms with 2-9 attorneys and about 35% for firms with 10-49 attorneys. The consequences to a firm’s resources and reputation can be devastating. But how can the small law firm owner and solo attorney be expected to take on another task on top of managing, marketing, and practicing law? How do they figure out ways to keep their firms cyber-safe if they can’t afford to hire an IT expert?

    Join us as we delve into the pitfalls that await the unwary and unprepared small law attorney. Our CLE will discuss how easy it is to become the victim of a cyber-attack, the ethical repercussions that could result when client information is hacked, and how a firm’s stolen information can be weaponized. We will also provide participants with a checklist of practical and cost-effective suggestions to avoid falling prey to hackers. Don’t miss this worthwhile and practical seminar for small law firms and solo attorneys!

    Program Fee:
    $119 For  Members | $219 For Nonmember

  • Lewis Trippett
    Higgins & Trippett LLP

     

    Paul K. Kim
    JD, MPA, CISSP-NYC Deputy Chief Information Security Officer

     

    Adam Scott Wandt
    JC, MPA – Assistant Professor of Public Policy & Vice Chair for Technology of the Department of Public Management, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

  • 12:00 pm – 12:05  pm
    Introduction

     

    12:05 pm – 12:20 pm
    How Cyber Security Impacts Ethical Obligations

     

    • Ethical Obligation to Be Competent
    • Ethical Obligation Not To Reveal Confidences
    • Ethical Obligation to Keep Clients’ Property Safe
    • Ethical Obligation to Make Reasonable Efforts to Prevent Unauthorized Disclosure of Client Information

     

    12:20 pm – 1:00 pm
    Common Cyber Risks Facing Small Law Firms

     

    • Belief That “I’m not a target”
    • Phishing And Social Engineering
    • Business Email Compromise
    • Ransomware And Malware as a Service
    • Watering Hole Attacks And Downloads

     

    1:00 pm – 1:50 pm
    How You Can Protect Your Small Law Firm and Solo Practice

     

    • Secure Client Communication
    • Using Cloud Storage with Offline Backups
    • Using Multi Factor Authentication
    • Windows: Anti-Malware Scanners
    • Strong Passwords
    • Anti-Phishing Techniques
    • Careful Use of Firm Email Addresses
    • 4-Way Privacy Screens
    • Security Considerations for Online Payments
    • Cyber Hygiene for Lawyers

     

    1:50 pm – 2:00 pm
    Questions & Answers

  • New York: 2.0 Law Practice Management
    New Jersey: 2.3 General
    California: 1.5 General
    Pennsylvania: 1.5 General
    Connecticut: Available to Licensed Attorneys

  • Sponsoring Association Committee:
    Technology, Cyber and Privacy Law, Sylvia Khatcherian, Chair
    Small Law Firm, Anne Wolfson, Chair Technology

    Sponsoring Organization:
    Small Law Firm Center

    Sponsorship Opportunities are Available! Please Contact:
    Yelena Balashchenko, Manager, Business Development & Sponsorships | (212) 382-6608 | ybalashchenko@nycbar.org