Law firms hold some of the most sensitive data in any industry: client privileged communications, deal documents, litigation strategy, and intellectual property. We deliver security that protects client trust, hardens multi-office networks, and meets ABA ethics requirements — without disrupting billable work.
Why law firms struggle with cybersecurity
ABA ethics opinions now require "reasonable efforts" to protect client confidentiality. Firms must demonstrate encryption, access controls, and breach notification procedures. Many firms lack the technical controls to meet these obligations — creating both ethical exposure and malpractice risk.
Law firms commonly operate across multiple offices with attorneys working remotely, at client sites, and in courtrooms. Securing file sharing, VPN access, and lateral network movement across locations requires consistent architecture — not office-by-office patchwork.
Business email compromise targeting trust accounts and wire transfers is epidemic in legal. Real estate closings, settlement disbursements, and retainer payments are frequent targets. A single compromised email can redirect six- or seven-figure wire transfers.
Business email compromise targeting trust accounts and wire transfers is epidemic in legal. Real estate closings, settlement disbursements, and retainer payments are frequent targets. A single compromised email can redirect six- or seven-figure wire transfers.
Law firms manage massive volumes of privileged documents across iManage, NetDocuments, and SharePoint. These platforms need encryption, granular access controls, and audit trails. Many firms have weak DMS permissions that expose client files across practice groups.
Cyber insurance underwriters are tightening requirements for law firms. Client security questionnaires are increasingly detailed. State bar ethics opinions and data breach notification laws create compliance obligations that require documented security programs.
Design secure multi-office networks with proper segmentation, VPN architecture, and access controls. Harden firewalls, switches, and wireless across all locations.
Deploy advanced email filtering, DMARC/DKIM/SPF authentication, and wire transfer verification procedures that prevent business email compromise.
Audit and harden iManage, NetDocuments, or SharePoint permissions. Implement encryption, access logging, and ethical wall controls for conflicted matters.
Build and test incident response plans aligned with state bar notification requirements, cyber insurance obligations, and client communication procedures.
.avif)
of law firms have experienced a security breach
average ransomware demand targeting law firms
of law firms lack a formal incident response plan
.png)
ABA Model Rule 1.6 and related ethics opinions require lawyers to make "reasonable efforts" to prevent unauthorized disclosure of client information. This includes implementing encryption, access controls, secure communication, and breach notification procedures. Many state bars have issued specific cybersecurity guidance. Cyber insurance policies and client security questionnaires add additional requirements.
Wire fraud prevention requires multi-factor authentication on email, DMARC/DKIM/SPF email authentication, callback verification procedures for all wire transfers, staff training on social engineering, and secure client communication portals. Trust account and escrow disbursements should require out-of-band verification before any funds are released.
Law firm cybersecurity budgets typically range from 5-10% of IT spending, depending on firm size and practice areas. Firms handling M&A, IP, or litigation for large corporations face higher risk and should invest accordingly. Start with fundamentals: MFA, email security, network segmentation, and incident response planning.
A law firm breach triggers multiple obligations: state data breach notification laws, client notification requirements under ethics rules, cyber insurance carrier notification, and potential regulatory reporting. Firms must also assess whether attorney-client privilege has been compromised. Having a tested incident response plan is critical to managing the legal, reputational, and financial fallout.
"Principle Security was instrumental in guiding us through our recent infrastructure and cybersecurity initiatives. Their partnership was reliable, professional, and results‑driven, which is why we continue to engage them whenever new opportunities arise."
IT and Security Director
Industrial and Manufacturing Technology
“Their team helped us prioritize risk without overwhelming us with jargon or checklists. Practical guidance that actually moved the needle.”
Information Security Manager
Community Credit Union
"They stepped in during a critical project and brought stability fast—tight execution, clear communication, and zero babysitting required."
VP of Technology
Mid-Sized SaaS Provider
“With their managed services handling patching, backups, and detection, our internal team finally has room to focus. Reliable, low-noise, and effective.”
Head of IT
Manufacturing Company
“We didn’t need a full-time CISO—we needed experience and flexibility. Their fractional leadership model gave us exactly that.”
COO
Multi-State Healthcare Provider
“Our compliance program was scattered. They brought structure, clarity, and got us aligned with FFIEC and NIST—finally audit-ready and confident.”
VP of Risk & Compliance
Regional Credit Union
“Principle Security helped us redesign our entire security stack without disrupting operations. They understood our infrastructure and delivered clean, scalable solutions.”
CIO
Mid-Market Financial Services Firm
Take the first step towards revolutionizing your business.
Schedule a meeting with us to discuss your needs and explore solutions.
Book a meeting
