Missouri Rule 4-1.1 Comment 6 states that in order to maintain competence, a lawyer must keep abreast of “changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology.” Further, Rule 4-1.6 stipulates that a lawyer must make reasonable efforts to prevent the disclosure of confidential client information. The comments to Rule 4-1.6 require lawyers to act competently to safeguard client information, and take reasonable precautions when transmitting a client communication. Back when all client data was analog and paper-based, it was pretty easy to protect it in a locked filing cabinet. Now that all of that information is digital, accessible from multiple devices, and often stored on the web, it is much harder to protect. However, the good news is that you don't have to be a security expert or techie to defend yourself and your office from cyber criminals. Half of the battle is simply knowing what questions to ask, and being aware of the inexpensive, off-the-shelf solutions that are out there for you. Learn how to establish best practices in your office, and discover the inexpensive or free tools that will ensure your confidential information remains confidential.
Speaker: Barron K. Henley, Affinity Consulting Group, Columbus, OH