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Cyber risks to keep growing for small law firms
Having robust cyber security implementation will be a top priority for practice owners in 2025, one tech GM predicts, in an age where boutique firms boost their technological toolkits.
Jerome Doraisamy
In conversation with Lawyers Weekly towards the end of last year, Clio founder general manager (APAC) Denise Farmer posited that, in 2025, cyber security risks will continue to grow as law firms increasingly leverage AI and digital tools to streamline operations.
“The integration of AI-driven systems, cloud storage, and practice management tools, protecting sensitive client data will become critical,” she said.
“Firms will need to ensure that their technology partners provide secure, compliant, and reliable platforms.”
Alongside this, Farmer went on, regulations are becoming increasingly stringent.
“Just [recently], the NSW Supreme Court released new guidelines around AI use in legal practice – requiring law firms to take an ethical and considered approach to AI use,” she said.
In the same conversation, Farmer suggested that unprecedented jockeying for position looms large for smaller law firms because of the advent of legal technologies and that non-traditional billing models will “dominate” legal services this year.
The comments also follow Farmer’s recent appearance on LawTech Talks, alongside Clio chief executive Jack Newton, in which the pair discussed the “moral imperative” to adopt and utilise new technology and how those who do utilise it will “outpace” those who don’t.
Farmer also said: “Leaders must establish clear guidelines for how AI and digital tools are used, ensuring that they align with professional standards and client confidentiality.”
“Trusted vendors will be integral in providing ongoing support for these efforts, offering not just technological solutions but also training and consultation to ensure that legal teams remain compliant with evolving regulations and maintain high standards of ethics and security.”
Jerome Doraisamy
Jerome Doraisamy is the editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He has worked at Momentum Media as a journalist on Lawyers Weekly since February 2018, and has served as editor since March 2022. In June 2024, he also assumed the editorship of HR Leader. Jerome is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in NSW, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
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