Cybercriminals aren’t guessing which firms to target—they’re selecting them. In recent years, ransomware gangs and phishing attacks have disrupted some of the most prestigious legal practices in the country. When client data, privileged communications, and regulatory obligations are at stake, even one misstep can become a crisis.

This guide walks you through what a real breach looks like, what your firm may face in the aftermath, and how to protect your practice from becoming the next headline.

Real Attacks on Real Law Firms

  • DLA Piper (2017): A massive ransomware attack, part of the NotPetya global cyber assault, shut down DLA Piper’s phone systems, email servers, and access to legal documents. The firm, which has over 4,000 lawyers worldwide, had to post paper signs on doors saying, “No entry: systems down.”
  • Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks (2020): The firm representing A-list celebrities was attacked by the REvil ransomware group. Hackers claimed to have stolen 756GB of confidential client files and demanded $42 million in ransom. When the firm refused, portions of data were leaked online.
  • Campbell Conroy & O’Neil (2021): After a ransomware attack, the firm disclosed that sensitive personal data, including Social Security numbers, passport details, and medical information, had been compromised. The incident led to class-action lawsuits and widespread client concern.

These incidents show that no firm is too large or too specialized to be at risk. The motivation for these attacks is often financial, but the consequences extend far beyond the ransom.

What Happens When a Breach Hits

  • Operational Downtime: Email systems and document access may be locked or destroyed, grinding productivity to a halt.
  • Client Notification Obligations: Depending on your jurisdiction, laws like CCPA, SHIELD, or HIPAA may require public disclosure of the breach.
  • Loss of Attorney-Client Privilege: If confidential data is exposed, it may no longer be considered privileged in court.
  • Ethical Violations: Failing to secure client data could breach ABA Rules of Professional Conduct.
  • Regulatory Investigations: State bar associations and privacy regulators may launch inquiries.
  • Damage to Reputation and Trust: Current and prospective clients may question your firm’s reliability and discretion.

Time is critical in a cyber incident. The first 24 hours can determine whether the breach is contained, mitigated, or escalates into a crisis.

The Regulatory Heat: Ethics and Compliance Risks

The American Bar Association (ABA) and state bars have made it clear that cybersecurity is not optional. It’s an ethical duty. Key guidance includes:

  • Rule 1.1: Duty of Competence: Requires lawyers to understand technology and cybersecurity risks relevant to their practice.
  • Rule 1.6: Confidentiality of Information: Lawyers must take reasonable steps to protect client information from unauthorized access.
  • Formal Opinion 477R: Details expectations for secure communication, including when encryption may be necessary.
  • Formal Opinion 483: Describes a lawyer’s duties after a data breach—including notifying clients and updating security measures.
  • Formal Opinion 498: Focuses on ethical responsibilities in remote work, including securing home networks and devices.

Noncompliance doesn’t just risk fines or lawsuits—it can lead to disciplinary action, malpractice claims, and client churn.

Cyber Insurance: Know What You’re Signing Up For

A growing number of law firms carry cyber liability insurance—but coverage depends on compliance.

Underwriters now expect:

  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
  • Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
  • Encrypted backups
  • Documented incident response plans
  • Evidence of employee training

Failure to meet these standards can lead to reduced payouts or outright denial of claims after a breach.

Protecting Attorney-Client Privilege in a Digital World

If privileged data is exposed, your firm could face ethical violations and courtroom consequences. Avoid:

  • Sending client documents via personal or unencrypted email
  • Storing case files on unsecured devices or cloud platforms

Instead, implement:

  • Encrypted portals for document sharing
  • Access control policies for mobile and remote work
  • Monitoring to detect unauthorized access

Where to Start: How MCIT Supports Law Firms at Every Stage of a Cyber Incident

Whether you’re just starting to build a cybersecurity strategy or responding to growing regulatory pressure, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in.

MCIT supports law firms with practical, real-world cybersecurity services that are tailored to the legal industry. We don’t just help prevent breaches—we help you prepare for them, respond to them, and reduce the risk of long-term fallout.

Here’s what that support looks like:

  • Risk Assessments Designed for Legal Workflows: Identify vulnerabilities in how your firm stores, shares, and accesses data—especially when working with sensitive client materials.
  • Staff Training That Meets Ethical Requirements: From phishing simulations to ABA Rule 1.1 compliance, we deliver customized training sessions that make cybersecurity feel relevant and actionable.
  • Breach Response and Recovery Planning: We’ll help you establish clear protocols for what to do in the event of a cyberattack—minimizing downtime and protecting your reputation.
  • Cyber Insurance Readiness: Our team evaluates your current security posture and helps you meet the technical requirements needed to qualify for or maintain coverage.

Whether you’re looking for a one-time assessment or a long-term cybersecurity partner, MCIT is here to support your law firm—before, during, and after a breach.

Need help assessing your firm’s risk exposure? Contact us for a legal-specific cybersecurity consultation.