Stay Secure. Stay Ahead.
Implement security controls designed to safeguard client confidentiality, preserve legal privilege, and meet Queensland Law Society professional obligations
Law firms face unique security challenges due to the confidential nature of client matters and legal privilege:
Any unauthorised access to client communications potentially compromises legal privilege—affecting case strategy, client relationships, and professional liability. Once privilege is lost, it cannot be restored.
Legal files contain sensitive personal information, financial records, intellectual property, and confidential business strategy. Targeted attacks seek this high-value information for competitive advantage or extortion.
Ransomware can lock critical case management systems, document management platforms, and email—disrupting court deadlines, settlement negotiations, and client obligations. Legal practices cannot afford operational disruption.
Departing lawyers, support staff, contractors, or those with excessive access privileges can compromise confidential client matters. Staff turnover and complex permission structures create risk requiring systematic access management.
Business email compromise attacks impersonate lawyers, clients, opposing counsel, or trusted vendors to misdirect trust account payments, steal confidential information, or compromise settlement funds.
Sophisticated phishing attempts target legal professionals with apparent court notices, urgent client requests, or opposing counsel communications. Lawyers' email addresses are publicly available, making them accessible targets.
Based on security assessments across Queensland law practices, these gaps are frequently identified:
Legal practitioners in Queensland face multiple security-related professional obligations:
The Queensland Law Society provides cybersecurity guidance for legal practices, emphasising the importance of protecting client confidentiality and legal privilege through appropriate security controls. Law practices must implement measures to prevent unauthorised access to client information.
Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules require legal practitioners to protect client confidential information. This includes implementing reasonable security measures to prevent unauthorised disclosure. Cybersecurity failures can constitute professional misconduct.
Legal professional privilege is a fundamental principle requiring absolute protection. Any security breach affecting privileged communications can compromise privilege, affecting case outcomes and exposing practitioners to professional liability and disciplinary action.
Professional indemnity insurers for legal practices increasingly require evidence of cybersecurity controls. Inadequate security measures may affect coverage, increase premiums, or result in exclusions for cyber-related claims affecting client confidentiality.
The SMB1001 framework includes five progressive tiers. We specialize in Bronze, Silver, and Gold certification—designed for Australian legal practices and aligned with Queensland Law Society guidance, professional conduct rules, privilege protection, and the threat landscape facing legal services. Diamond and Platinum tiers exist for enterprise organizations with dedicated security teams.
Addresses fundamental security gaps commonly exploited in attacks targeting legal practices:
These foundational areas directly address privilege protection, client confidentiality obligations, and professional conduct requirements.
Bronze foundation + enhanced capabilities for growing practices:
Comprehensive security program for complex legal operations:
Our Process:
Note: Technical implementation is typically performed by your IT team or managed service provider with our expert guidance and oversight.
Implementation of systematic controls designed to preserve legal professional privilege and protect confidential client communications
Frameworks supporting Queensland Law Society guidance and Australian Solicitors' Conduct Rules regarding client confidentiality
Independent certification demonstrating commitment to protecting client confidentiality—valuable for client retention and new matter acquisition
Evidence of security program implementation supporting professional indemnity insurance requirements and cyber insurance underwriting
Systematic approach to identifying and addressing vulnerabilities that could compromise client confidentiality or legal privilege
Improved capability to prevent, detect, and recover from security incidents while maintaining court obligations and client service
A: The Queensland Law Society emphasises cybersecurity as essential for protecting client confidentiality and legal privilege. SMB1001 provides a recognized framework demonstrating systematic security controls—supporting professional conduct obligations and QLS guidance.
A: Yes. SMB1001 is vendor-agnostic. We work with all major legal practice management platforms (LEAP, ActionStep, Smokeball, etc.) to implement appropriate security controls within your existing technology environment.
A: We coordinate with your IT contractor or managed service provider to implement technical controls. You receive consulting guidance; your IT provider handles technical execution with our oversight.
A: Typically 3-4 months from assessment to certification for practices with basic security hygiene already in place. Timeline varies based on starting maturity and resource availability.
A: SMB1001 certification demonstrates security controls that professional indemnity and cyber insurers increasingly require. Many practices report improved insurance terms and reduced premiums after certification.
A: SMB1001 controls directly address privilege protection—including access controls, encryption, data classification, breach response procedures, and audit trails. This systematic approach helps preserve legal professional privilege and demonstrates professional obligation compliance.
Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss:
Not ready for a consultation? Download our Legal Practice Security Guide
Email: hello@cyberpeople.com.au
Phone: +61 421 999 855