Category: law firm

What Software Is Used in a Law Firm?

Law firms leverage a spectrum of digital solutions to streamline their operations. From intricate case analysis with legal research platforms to seamless accounting with legal billing software, technology has become the unseen backbone of a successful practice. In fact, 77% of firms worldwide have reported increasing legal tech usage at their organization in the past few years.

This piece aims to explore the diverse digital tools essential for legal professionals, showcasing how these technologies and legal software examples collectively enhance the operational efficiency of a law firm.

What Software Does a Lawyer Use?

Lawyers today rely on a variety of software to maintain their competitive edge. Here’s a brief overview of the most commonly used software:

CASE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Legal case management software serves as the operational hub for many law firms. It allows legal professionals to organize case files, track deadlines, and manage day-to-day tasks. High-quality case management software will also offer calendar integration, task assignment, and advanced reporting, all of which promote collaboration among team members and boost law firm growth.

COMMUNICATION TOOLS

Are law firms using Slack for communication? Texting? Teams? Numerous communication tools exist, but the best option is communicating through practice management software. With this method, users can save various conversations to different clients and matters, ensuring the recording and organization of all conversations. Firms can also easily communicate with their clients if the practice management software has a client portal to exchange information and documents securely.

DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

With the bulk of legal work being document-intensive, legal document management software is indispensable. It allows for secure storage, quick retrieval, and easy sharing of documents. Robust search functionality is a hallmark of this software, enabling lawyers to find specific documents or reference materials in seconds. Version control is also crucial, ensuring everyone works on the latest document without losing prior edits.

BILLING SOFTWARE

Billing software automates invoicing, tracks billable hours and expenses, and manages client payments. It is often a part of case management software, providing a seamless transition from work performed to invoice generated. Modern billing software bolsters trust through transparent, customizable invoices that outline specific actions taken with only a few clicks of a button.

LEGAL RESEARCH SOFTWARE

Lawyers use this software to navigate the vast ocean of legal precedent and statutory material. When initiating a research project, approximately 38% of attorneys typically start with well-known search engines, and 37% prefer using paid online legal databases, illustrating the reduced reliance on printed materials, which only 4% of lawyers now use as a starting point. Legal research software boasts powerful search features, annotation capabilities, and collaborative functions, seamlessly connecting lawyers with the precise information they need for their cases.

What Is the Best Legal Office Management Software?

Identifying the best legal office management software involves looking for key features like the following:

  • User-Friendly Interface: Reduces training time and enhances productivity.
  • Robust Security Features: Protects sensitive client information.
  • Comprehensive Case Management: Manages all case-related information in one place.
  • Native ePayments: Makes it easy for clients to pay their invoices.
  • Seamless Billing: Offers efficient time tracking and invoicing.
  • eSignature Capabilities: Reduces the signing process to mere minutes.
  • Effective Client Communication Tools: Enhances client engagement with secure portals.
  • Document Handling: Organizes documents with their corresponding matters.

What Is CRM for Law Firms?

CRM software for law firms focuses on client relationship management, a fundamental aspect for any law firm looking to grow and maintain a strong client base. CRM systems help attorneys track interactions with current and potential clients. These features are essential in a field where timely and personalized communication can significantly impact client satisfaction and retention.

A well-designed CRM tool will assist with the following:

  • Automated Intake Forms: Client intake and CRM software go hand in hand, and automated intake forms are a must-have feature. This feature ensures that client data is accurately and efficiently transferred to your CRM, reducing manual data entry and enhancing the accuracy of client information.
  • Custom Tags and Workflows: Custom software tags make organizing client information more manageable. Firms can categorize contacts as clients, prospects, or professional contacts and even filter these tags for business insights. Automated workflows enable the creation of triggered tasks and events, improving client interaction and ensuring no one misses critical deadlines or appointments.
  • Intuitive Dashboard: You’ll want an intuitive dashboard that offers a comprehensive view of case statuses, including contact and matter details, account balances, and payment information. This centralized view aids in better case management and client service.
  • Client Communication and Reminders: Look for CRM software that automates the scheduling process, including sending automatic meeting reminders via email, SMS text, or through the client portal. This feature ensures effective engagement with clients at various touchpoints.

The ability to blend CRM with existing practice management software is beneficial for law firms. Lawyers can access everything from case documents to client communication histories in a single system, which reduces the risk of errors likely to occur when flipping between different platforms.

What Accounting Software Do Law Firms Use?

Law firms use specialized accounting software to handle legal-specific financial needs like trust accounting, billing, and expense tracking. With accurate accounting, law firms can maintain financial compliance and keep a pulse on their financial health.

Efficient law firm accounting software should also automate time-consuming tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting. This automation saves valuable time, allowing lawyers to focus on client cases rather than financial administration. Moreover, it helps in forecasting and budgeting, which is essential for strategic planning and growth.

For law firms, an integrated approach to software solutions is the best choice. While standalone accounting programs exist, law practice management software with accounting features offers a more streamlined experience. These integrated solutions reduce the need for multiple software platforms, simplifying workflows and minimizing the risk of data entry errors.

© Copyright 2024 PracticePanther
For more news on Software for Law Firms, visit the NLR Law Office Management section.

Don’t be Content with Subpar Content: Five Content Marketing Best Practices

In the past, we have outlined eMarketing best practices, integrating your eMarketing system with other marketing technology, and even discussed using artificial intelligence in your email marketing strategy. However, if you’ve got all the elements in place and your email marketing metrics are still disappointing, what else can you improve? Well, let’s address the 10,000-pound elephant in the room – your content.

For many law firms, content is typically written by lawyers. This can be a challenge because lawyers by trade, are legal writers – favoring a particular writing style that often is not favorable for eMarketing purposes. This leaves the marketing department to attempt to shape the content to make it as effective as possible.

So what is a marketer to do when faced with a partner who is convinced that posting 5,000 words (1,000 of which are footnotes) on the latest regulation change is the best way to communicate with clients and prospective clients? Here are five suggestions and talking points to help build consensus and buy-in for improving your firm’s publications and content marketing.

1. Best of the Bunch

Take a look at some of your firm’s recent publications by practice area. Are there one or two groups that consistently provide concise, well-written content that is not drowning in legalese? Next, it can be a good idea to look at their metrics. If their mailing list is in good shape, they should also have some of the best open and click-through rates at the firm.

These are the folks to hold up as examples of how to correctly write marketing content. Anyone who has been a marketer in a professional service firm knows that capitalizing on the competitive nature of professionals can be a powerful tool for changing behavior. If you can find one or two practices with superior metrics and can tie it to their content, then you have something to hold up as an example to the rest of the firm.

2. Train ’em Young

Today, associates have grown up with unparalleled access to the internet, email, Twitter (now X) and LinkedIn, so they get it. Firms should capitalize on the technology-savvy and sponge-like nature of the younger members and utilize them by creating content that resonates with their clients. They will likely already understand the importance of concise messaging as the key to effective communication.

3. Break Down Their Mailing Metrics

Lawyers tend to write for other lawyers. As marketers, we need them to write for people from all walks of life. Remember, many CEOs probably don’t have a JD. A quick analysis of their mailing lists may help persuade them that they are not just sending to other lawyers. It is important for lawyers who write to understand that well-written and relevant pieces are often the ones that are most likely to be circulated throughout companies.

Human resources and marketing, for example, are the two departments that are often the ‘beneficiaries’ of law firm alerts. Writing in heavy legalese can be counterproductive for these groups. For attorneys who are still hesitant to alter their writing style, remind them that lawyers also read newspapers, magazines, and even novels. Some of the most important and complex issues of our time, involving matters such as foreign policy, terrorism, taxes, the economy, and healthcare, are communicated every day in these publications—without the use of footnotes.

4. First Is Not Always Best

While it is important your clients know your firm is on top of recent developments, simply sending out a regurgitation of the new regulation doesn’t necessarily convey that your firm understands the impact of the law on the client’s business. Yes, you want your email on the topic to be among the first received, but there’s more to it. You need to demonstrate an understanding of the implications of the law by addressing questions like, “What does this mean for me? Do I need to be concerned? What can I do to prepare or minimize the risk for the company?”

Both speed and depth are important when it comes to content marketing. Get the alert out quickly and explain why it is important to your readers. Later, your lawyers can write a longer, in-depth piece for an outside publication which can also be forwarded to their mailing list.

5. Size Matters

65% of digital media consumption occurs on mobile devices. No one, including your own lawyers, would be inclined to read a 3,000-word piece on their iPhones, no matter how much time they have. The fact is, today’s professionals use their phones to consume quick-hit content – get in, get the jist, and get out, onto the next. This means we need to meet them where they are and produce similarly easy-to-digest content.

An excellent way to help dissuade your lawyers from writing lengthy, dense alerts, is to appeal to their billable hour. Long pieces take longer to write – when a piece half the size will not only take them half the time but ultimately increase readership by twice as much.

© Copyright 2024 CLIENTSFirst Consulting
by: Christina R. Fritsch JD of CLIENTSFirst Consulting
For more news on Content Marketing for Law Firms, visit the NLR Law Office Management section.

Why Lawyers Should Prioritize Business Development and Marketing in 2024 and Beyond

Simply being a great lawyer is not enough to be successful as a lawyer today. The modern lawyer must be a multifaceted professional, combining sharp legal expertise with savvy business development and strategic marketing acumen.

Whether you’re a partner or an associate, understanding and implementing effective marketing strategies is vital. It’s not just about attracting clients; it’s about building a robust personal brand, establishing a solid reputation and nurturing a network of valuable connections and referral sources.

In this blog post, I will explore essential tactics and innovative strategies that lawyers can employ to distinguish themselves, enhance their market position and build a sustainable and thriving practice in the legal industry.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING IN 2024 AND BEYOND FOR ASSOCIATES

For associates, learning how to master the art of business development and marketing early on is not just advantageous—it’s imperative. As you lay the foundation of your legal career, it’s crucial to pair your growing legal expertise with robust business development strategies and marketing acumen. These tips are designed to help you effectively build your brand, establish enduring professional relationships and position yourself as a subject matter expert – all of which are important as you embark on your legal career.

  1. Build Relationships Early: Start networking as soon as you enter the field. Attend industry seminars, join legal forums, trade associations and alumni groups, and stay active on Linkedin. Cultivate relationships not just with potential clients but also with mentors and peers. The connections you make early can become your most valuable assets.
  2. Develop a Niche: Specialize in an area of law that interests you. This specialization will help you stand out and attract specific clients. In addition, becoming an authority in a particular legal area can lead to more targeted and effective marketing opportunities.
  3. Mentorship and Learning: Seek mentors such as partners at the firm who your admire who can guide you in understanding the nuances of legal marketing and client relationship management. Learn from their experiences and insights. Being proactive in seeking knowledge and advice will accelerate your growth and confidence in navigating the complex world of legal marketing.
  4. Utilize Technology: Embrace legal tech solutions for efficiency and better client engagement. Understand and leverage social media and content marketing to enhance your online presence. Being tech-savvy can significantly increase your visibility and appeal to a broader client base.
  5. Consistent Personal Branding: Develop and maintain a consistent personal brand across all platforms. Your brand should reflect your professional values, expertise and the unique solutions you provide. A strong, consistent brand will make you memorable and help you stand out in a crowded market.
  6. Pro Bono and Community Service: Engage in pro bono work or community service related to your field. This not only will help you broaden you network but it will also contribute to your personal development, experience, commitment and compassion—qualities that are highly attractive to potential clients and employers.
  7. Feedback and Adaptability: Seek feedback regularly from peers, mentors and clients and be willing to adapt your strategies accordingly. The legal market is continually evolving, and so should your approach to business development and marketing.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING IN 2024 AND BEYOND FOR PARTNERS

As partners, your role extends beyond legal practice to shaping the firm’s strategic direction and business success. With extensive experience and a comprehensive network, you are in a prime position to influence growth and innovation. Here are some practical, impactful ways you can leverage your position to drive business development and market yourself and your firm effectively in an ever-evolving industry.

  1. Lead by Example: Encourage a culture of business development within the firm. Demonstrate your commitment by actively engaging in networking, speaking engagements and thought leadership. Your involvement sets a precedent and motivates junior lawyers to emulate these practices.
  2. Leverage Your Network: Your years in practice have earned you a vast and valuable network. Utilize your established connections for referrals, collaborations and strategic partnerships. Your reputation and relationships can significantly amplify business opportunities and open new doors for the firm.
  3. Innovate and Adapt: Stay abreast of the latest marketing trends, especially in digital marketing, and adapt them to fit the legal industry. Embrace new technologies and platforms to reach wider audiences and offer innovative solutions. Your willingness to innovate signifies a forward-thinking firm that’s prepared for future challenges.
  4. Strategic Client Relationship Management: Deepen relationships with key clients by providing bespoke, value-added services and regular engagement. Use your insights and experiences to anticipate their needs and offer solutions before they arise. Strong client relationships often lead to retention and referrals.
  5. Invest in Talent and Mentorship: Identify and nurture the next generation of lawyers in your firm. Provide mentorship and invest in their business development skills. Their growth will contribute to the firm’s legacy and ensure a steady stream of innovative leaders.
  6. Thought Leadership: Regularly publish articles, speak at industry events and participate in discussions that showcase your expertise and the firm’s capabilities. Thought leadership not only enhances your personal brand but also elevates the firm’s profile.
  7. Evaluate and Refine: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your business development and marketing strategies. Be open to refining approaches based on outcomes and industry changes. A flexible, results-oriented approach ensures that the firm stays competitive and relevant.

HOW TO OVERCOME DISCOMFORT IN MARKETING

You may find the marketing aspect of law somewhat out of your comfort zone. Overcoming this discomfort is crucial for personal growth and the firm’s success. Here are some strategies to ease into effective marketing and business development.

  1. Training and Workshops: Invest time in business development and marketing workshops tailored for lawyers. These workshops can provide valuable insights into the latest trends and techniques, making the process more approachable and less daunting.
  2. Start Small: If the thought of large networking events is overwhelming, begin with more manageable one-on-one meetings or small group gatherings. As you build confidence, gradually increase the size and scope of your engagements.
  3. Collaborate with Peers: Partner with colleagues on marketing initiatives. Collaborating can divide the workload, play to each person’s strengths and make the process more enjoyable and less intimidating.
  4. Mentorship and Coaching: Seek a mentor or coach who has successfully integrated marketing into their legal practice. Learning from their experiences and insights can demystify the process and provide practical steps to follow.
  5. Set Realistic Goals: Establish clear, achievable goals for your marketing efforts. Small victories can significantly boost your confidence and motivate you to tackle more ambitious projects.
  6. Reflect on Successes: Keep track of your progress and take the time to celebrate successes, no matter how small. Reflecting on positive outcomes can reinforce the value of your marketing efforts and diminish discomfort over time.
  7. Leverage Personal Interests: Incorporate your hobbies or interests into your networking and marketing strategies. Connecting over shared interests can make interactions more natural and less forced.
  8. Understand Your Audience: Spend time understanding the needs and preferences of your target audience. Tailoring your approach to what they find engaging can make your efforts feel more genuine and less like a chore.By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can gradually overcome discomfort with marketing, turning it into a natural and rewarding extension of your professional activities. As you become more comfortable, your ability to effectively market yourself and your firm will undoubtedly grow, resulting in greater business success.

CONCLUSION

For lawyers at any stage, embracing business development and marketing is not an option but a necessity. It’s about building a personal brand, expanding your network and ensuring a steady stream of work. Marketing and business development are powerful tools that can significantly transform a lawyer’s career trajectory. By actively engaging in these practices, lawyers can:

  1. Enhance Visibility: Establishing a strong personal brand makes you more recognizable in the legal community, leading to increased trust and a higher likelihood of referrals.
  2. Expand Client Base: Effective marketing strategies attract a broader client base, including more lucrative and high-profile cases.
  3. Build a Reputation: Consistent business development efforts help in building a reputation as an expert in specific legal fields, making you the go-to lawyer for those particular matters.
  4. Foster Relationships: Through networking, lawyers can foster long-term relationships, not just with potential clients but also with other professionals who can provide referrals.

Key Takeaways

  1. It’s Never Too Early or Late: Whether you’re a junior lawyer or a seasoned partner, now is the right time to start focusing on business development and marketing.
  2. Consistency is Key: Regularly engage in networking, personal branding and strategic marketing efforts.
  3. Adapt and Evolve: Stay updated with the latest marketing trends and adapt them to your practice.
  4. Seek Support: If marketing doesn’t come naturally, seek training or collaborate with colleagues to ease into the practice.
  5. Measure Success: Keep track of your efforts and adjust your strategies based on what works best for you and your practice.
Copyright © 2023, Stefanie M. Marrone. All Rights Reserved.
For more news on Business Development and Marketing for Lawyers, please visit the NLR Law Office Management section.

10 Resolutions to Elevate Your Personal Brand in the New Year

Personal branding has become more than just a buzzword – it’s a crucial element of career success. As we embark on a new year, it’s essential to recognize the power of a well-crafted personal brand. It’s not just about making a mark in your industry; it’s about creating a distinct identity that resonates with your professional ethos and vision.

Every individual inherently has a personal brand. It’s an amalgamation of your skills, experiences and the impressions you leave on others.

Even without conscious effort, your interactions, online presence and professional accomplishments contribute to how you are perceived. This unintentional brand can impact your career and opportunities positively or negatively. Actively shaping your personal brand allows you to control this narrative, ensuring it aligns with your career goals and reflects your professional identity. Neglecting it means letting others define it for you, which might not always match your aspirations or values.

Building your personal brand can feel overwhelming, but with a strategic and thoughtful approach, this process can unlock doors to new opportunities and personal growth, allowing you to shape and share your unique professional story with the world.

This blog post will guide you through easy and effective strategies to build and enhance your personal brand, which will help set you apart from your peers and competitors.

  1. Define Your Unique Brand: Delve deep to articulate your core strengths, values and the distinctive qualities that set you apart in your industry. Reflect on your career highlights and how they shape your professional narrative. For what do you want to be known? Be clear.
  2. Ensure Consistent Messaging: Audit all your professional platforms to ensure they convey a unified story about who you are and what you offer. This includes everything from your LinkedIn bio to your website/website bio.
  3. Be Active on Social Media: Plan a content calendar to regularly share insights, engage with industry conversations and connect with thought leaders. Being active also means responding to comments and messages to foster connections.
  4. Create and Share Valuable Content: Consider starting a blog or a podcast, or contribute as a guest writer to industry publications. Share your experiences, case studies or lessons learned to provide real value to your audience.
  5. Network Actively: Attend industry events, webinars and workshops. Be proactive in reaching out for informational interviews or mentorship opportunities.
  6. Commit to Personal Development: Identify key areas for growth and seek out resources like online courses, books, podcasts or coaching. Staying updated with the latest industry trends is also crucial.
  7. Seek and Adapt to Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from peers, mentors or through professional assessments. Use this feedback to refine your brand and address any gaps.
  8. Maintain Professional Visual Branding: Invest in a professional headshot and ensure your visual branding (like color scheme, fonts, etc.) is professional and consistent across all platforms.
  9. Get Involved in Your Community: Align with causes or organizations that resonate with your personal values. Share these experiences on your platforms to show your commitment beyond work.
  10. Monitor Your Online Presence: Use free tools like Google Alerts to keep track of your digital footprint. Ensure that your online presence is positive and accurately reflects your personal brand.

To begin crafting your personal brand, start by reflecting on your unique skills, experiences and what differentiates you professionally. Set aside time each week to engage with your network, create content that showcases your expertise, and participate in relevant online discussions. Regularly update your professional profiles and assess the alignment of your online presence with your brand. This proactive and consistent effort will gradually build a strong, authentic personal brand.

These resolutions are more than just annual goals; they are commitments to ongoing personal and professional growth. Remember that visibility is each of our responsibility. By following these steps, you can significantly enhance your personal brand, making it a powerful tool in your career advancement.

Copyright © 2023, Stefanie M. Marrone. All Rights Reserved.
For more news on Building Your Personal Brand, visit the NLR Law Office Management section.

How to Harness the Power of Email Marketing in Law Firm Business Development

In an era where email remains a dominant communication tool, with billions of users and even more emails sent daily, law firms of all sizes can harness the power of email marketing for business development.

The return on investment is significant – $42 for every $1 spent – but this success hinges on the quality and relevance of the content shared.

For your email marketing program to be successful, you must provide your audiences with thoughtfully curated, value-added content. This is particularly crucial for smaller to mid-sized firms that might not have the same resources or volume of content as larger firms. By focusing on niche segmentation, these firms can use content marketing to effectively compete with larger entities.

The integration of emarketing systems with your CRM is vital. These systems not only facilitate efficient distribution of content but also provide invaluable data on content performance and audience engagement. Such insights are pivotal for making informed business development decisions.

Some smaller and mid-sized firms are already excelling, using tools like JD Supra to distribute their content and gain media attention. This strategy has allowed them to grow their audience and stand toe-to-toe with larger firms.

For email content, law firms should focus on sharing information that showcases their expertise and aligns with their clients’ interests. This can include legal updates, insights into regulatory changes, case studies and thought leadership articles. Practical advice, tips and guidance on current legal issues relevant to their client base are also valuable.

In addition, firms can share firm news, such as notable case wins, new hires or community involvement, to personalize their communication and strengthen relationships with their audience. The content should be informative, engaging, and, most importantly, relevant to the recipients to ensure it resonates and fosters stronger connections.

The message is clear: with strategic content and email marketing, backed by robust CRM and emarketing systems, any law firm can make a significant impact in today’s competitive landscape.

Key Takeaways

  • High ROI on Email Marketing: For every dollar spent, there’s an average return of $42, making email marketing highly effective for business development.
  • Content is Crucial: The success of email marketing depends on providing relevant and valuable content to your audience.
  • Impactful for Smaller Firms: Smaller to mid-sized law firms can leverage content marketing to compete with larger firms by targeting niche segments.
  • Integration with CRM: Utilizing emarketing systems integrated with CRM enhances content distribution and provides valuable engagement data.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Analytics from emarketing systems help in making informed business development strategies based on content performance and audience engagement.
  • Leveling the Playing Field: Smaller firms can grow their audience and compete effectively by distributing content through platforms like JD Supra and gaining media attention.
© Copyright 2023 CLIENTSFirst Consulting
For more news on Email Marketing for Law Firms, visit the NLR Law Office Management section.

Six CRM and Data Quality Success Strategies to Make Us Thankful

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, a time for gratitude and sharing, let’s not forget our CRM system and data quality, which can sometimes be left in a state of disarray amidst the festive preparations. Just like a well-prepared Thanksgiving meal requires careful planning and execution, maintaining clean, correct and up-to-date data is crucial for crafting effective marketing and business development strategies.

Here are six strategies to help you manage your CRM data, ensuring your business development efforts are as successful as a Thanksgiving feast:

  1. Consistent Data Entry: The perfect Thanksgiving feast takes planning to ensure that the meal is served on time and the turkey isn’t overcooked or undercooked. Similarly, inconsistent CRM data can lead to problems, so establish clear data entry guidelines and implement data validation rules to ensure that your CRM system and data remain well-organized.
  2. De-duplicating Records: Tackling duplicate records in your CRM can be as daunting as cooking for a large Thanksgiving meal. Leverage technology and data stewards to detect and merge duplicate records, enhancing data accuracy.
  3. Completing Missing Data: There’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot a key ingredient for your Thanksgiving meal and realizing it after all the stores are closed. You also don’t want to find out that you missed connecting with key constituencies because of incomplete or dated data. Implement data capture protocols to ensure all fields are populated and use an automated data quality service to help identify and enhance incomplete records.
  4. Data Integration: Just as some of your guests may like to mix the turkey and gravy with the mashed potatoes and stuffing, integrating data from different departments can enhance sucess. Create system integrations and use automation and data stewarding to ensure data is consistent.
  5. Investing in Data Quality Resources: Nobody likes lumpy gravy, so we spend a lot of time mixing it to make sure it’s consistent and smooth. It’s also important to invest in resources like data stewards and processes to make sure your data is consistent to facilitate searches and reporting.
  6. Collaborative Data Management: When preparing a large Thanksgiving meal, sometimes it’s good to have more than one cook in the kitchen. Managing data quality issues should not be a solo task either. For a strategic approach, consider partnering with professional service firms that specialize in data quality.

Much like our Turkey Day traditions and celebrations, maintaining your CRM data should be an ongoing affair.

© Copyright 2023 CLIENTSFirst Consulting
For more news on CRM and Data Quality Strategies, visit the NLR Communications, Media & Internet section.

Clop Claims Zero-Day Attacks Against 130 Organizations

Russia-linked ransomware gang Clop has claimed that it has attacked over 130 organizations since late January, using a zero-day vulnerability in the GoAnywhere MFT secure file transfer tool, and was successful in stealing data from those organizations. The vulnerability is CVE-2023-0669, which allows attackers to execute remote code execution.

The manufacturer of GoAnywhere MFT notified customers of the vulnerability on February 1, 2023, and issued a patch for the vulnerability on February 7, 2023.

HC3 issued an alert on February 22, 2023, warning the health care sector about Clop targeting healthcare organizations and recommended:

  • Educate and train staff to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks via email and network access.
  • Assess enterprise risk against all potential vulnerabilities and prioritize implementing the security plan with the necessary budget, staff, and tools.
  • Develop a cybersecurity roadmap that everyone in the healthcare organization understands.

Security professionals are recommending that information technology professionals update machines to the latest GoAnywhere version and “stop exposing port 8000 (the internet location of the GoAnywhere MFT admin panel).”

Article By Linn F. Freedman of Robinson & Cole LLP

For more cybersecurity legal news, click here to visit the National Law Review.

Copyright © 2023 Robinson & Cole LLP. All rights reserved.

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Deadline Approaches for Chicago Employers

As a reminder to employers in Chicago, anti-sexual harassment training is required by Chicago’s Human Rights Ordinance and must be completed by July 1, 2023.  This requirement applies to all Chicago employers, regardless of size or industry.

The training consists of one (1) hour of anti-sexual harassment training for all non-supervisory employees and two (2) hours of anti-sexual harassment training for supervisory employees.  Regardless of supervisory status, all employees must also undergo one (1) hour of bystander training.  Employers must provide training on an annual basis.  Additional information about training requirements can be found here. Employers who fail to comply may be subject to penalties.

Article By Audrey H. Shinn of Vedder Price

© 2023 Vedder Price

Privacy Tip #358 – Bank Failures Give Hackers New Strategy for Attacks

Hackers are always looking for the next opportunity to launch attacks against unsuspecting victims. According to Cybersecurity Dive, researchers at Proofpoint recently observed “a phishing campaign designed to exploit the banking crisis with messages impersonating several cryptocurrencies.”

According to Cybersecurity Dive, cybersecurity firm Arctic Wolf has observed “an uptick in newly registered domains related to SVB since federal regulators took over the bank’s deposits…” and “expects some of those domains to serve as a hub for phishing attacks.”

This is the modus operandi of hackers. They use times of crises, when victims are vulnerable, to launch attacks. Phishing campaigns continue to be one of the top risks to organizations, and following the recent bank failures, everyone should be extra vigilant of urgent financial requests and emails spoofing financial institutions, and take additional measures, through multiple levels of authorization, when conducting financial transactions.

We anticipate increased activity following these recent financial failures attacking individuals and organizations. Communicating the increased risk to employees may be worth consideration.

Article By Linn F. Freedman of Robinson & Cole LLP

For more communications, media, and internet legal news, click here to visit the National Law Review.

Copyright © 2023 Robinson & Cole LLP. All rights reserved.

Lawyer Bot Short-Circuited by Class Action Alleging Unauthorized Practice of Law

Many of us are wondering how long it will take for ChatGPT, the revolutionary chatbot by OpenAI, to take our jobs. The answer: perhaps, not as soon as we fear!

On March 3, 2023, Chicago law firm Edelson P.C. filed a complaint against DoNotPay, self-described as “the world’s first robot lawyer.” Edelson may have short-circuited the automated barrister’s circuits by filing a lawsuit alleging the unauthorized practice of law.

DoNotPay is marketed as an AI program intended to assist users in need of legal services, but who do not wish to hire a lawyer. The organization was founded in 2015 to assist users in disputing parking tickets. Since then, DoNotPay’s services have expanded significantly. The company’s website offers to help users fight corporations, overcome bureaucratic obstacles, locate cash and “sue anyone.”

In spite of those lofty promises, Edelson’s complaint counters by pointing out certain deficiencies, stating, “[u]nfortunately for its customers, DoNotPay is not actually a robot, a lawyer, or a law firm. DoNotPay does not have a law degree, is not barred in any jurisdiction and is not supervised by any lawyer.”

The suit was brought by plaintiff Jonathan Faridian, who claims to have used DoNotPay for legal drafting projects, demand letters, one small claims court filing and drafting an employment discrimination complaint. Faridian’s complaint explains he was under the impression that he was purchasing legal documents from an attorney, only to later discover that the “substandard” outcomes generated did not comport with his expectations.

When asked for comment, DoNotPay’s representative denied Faridian’s allegations, explaining the organization intends to defend itself “vigorously.”

Article By Troy J. Chinnici of Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP

For more communications, media, and internet legal news, click here to visit the National Law Review.

© 2023 Wilson Elser