Though not mentioned specifically, the SRA Codes of Conduct for Firms and for Solicitors, RELs and RFLs set out a number of rules relating to cyber security.
- Topic:
- Legal
The legal sector is currently in the midst of a period of great change from a technological perspective. Many of the reasons for this aren’t directly related to technology: the world is evolving socially, politically, and commercially, meaning law firms have to respond to new challenges ranging from hybrid working to diversity and inclusion.
The good news is that many law firms have already taken steps to deal with these challenges by moving at least partially into the cloud, particularly for web-based software and data storage. However, there is plenty more to be done so that every employee can securely access all the data and applications they need, wherever and whenever they’re working.
This is where digital workplace technology can be transformative for law firms, but only if it encompasses specific characteristics. This blog highlights four vital parts of any digital workplace deployment.
- Topic:
- Managed IT Services
As a consequence of the 2008 banking crisis, we saw many conveyancing firms dabbling in other areas of law to try and make up for the dramatic near-immediate loss of income from the property sector.
- Topic:
- Legal
Over the last 10+ years, the number of law firms who are successfully using cloud services has gone from the very few taking their first steps, to a reported 74% of law firms currently storing client data in the cloud.
Only a few years back, the sentiment was that law firms have been slow to adopt cloud services but with the rise of Microsoft 365 services, new SaaS legal applications, and the rise in remote working, it’s safe to say the legal industry as we know it would not serve its clients in the same way without cloud services.
However, there are still plenty of firms who have either not yet migrated their on-premises servers to the cloud or have had problems when attempting to. In this article, we are going to flag the key considerations law firms should make when migrating to the cloud.
- Topic:
- Managed IT Services
Law firms are entrusted with vast amounts of sensitive information, such as bank accounts and personal details, and have a responsibility to protect it. With cybercrime on the rise and the potential for identity theft increasing, firms need to implement effective measures to safeguard their data and their client's data. Biometric identity checking is an innovative solution that many law firms are turning to as a reliable method of identity verification. Furthermore, it offers a convenience benefit that meets the needs of today's client who expects seamless digital experiences from their service providers.
In this blog post, we'll explore how biometric identity verification works, its benefits and drawbacks, and why it should be considered by law firms.
- Topic:
- Legal
In the administration of estates, law firms encounter the task of verifying beneficiaries who will receive legacies through a will. While standard checks like bankruptcy and sanctions screenings are commonly performed, it is crucial for firms to complete identity checks on beneficiaries. The regulations do not solely place the risk on clients, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive understanding of the entire matter. This article highlights the significance of beneficiary identification, explores potential risks, and suggests methods for carrying out effective checks.
- Topic:
- Legal
Anti-money laundering (AML) training plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance within law firms. It is a topic that often raises questions and prompts discussions on how to enhance training effectiveness. This article explores the importance of robust AML training, suggests methods to enrich training programs, emphasizes ongoing learning, and highlights the role of the Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) in supervising AML compliance.
- Topic:
- Legal
Anti-money laundering (AML) compliance poses unique challenges for law firms providing both transactional and non-transactional services. In a recent discussion, important considerations were raised regarding regulatory obligations, risk assessments, client due diligence, legal professional privilege, and the need for consistency across the entire firm. This article aims to explore these key points and provide insights to help law firms effectively manage AML compliance in various service areas.
- Topic:
- Legal
Compliance with money laundering regulations requires law firms to stay informed about updates and changes, particularly regarding high-risk third countries. In this article, we emphasize the importance of carefully considering reliable sources and providing evidence in line with regulatory requirements. We discuss recent updates to the list of high-risk third countries and highlight the need for ongoing awareness and due diligence when dealing with high-risk jurisdictions.
- Topic:
- Legal
Staying updated on the latest guidance and challenges in anti-money laundering (AML) compliance is crucial for legal institutions and professionals. In this blog post, we'll summarize important topics discussed in the July 2023 AML Update with Brian Rogers and Helen Rice.
- Topic:
- Legal
