Cybersecurity Best Practices for Lawyers 2026

Data Strategy, Security & Privacy attorneys Mark Francis and Paul Bond will lead panels at the Cybersecurity Best Practices for Lawyers 2026 hybrid event, hosted by the Practising Law Institute (PLI). The half-day program will address challenges at the intersection of legal practice and cybersecurity.

Mr. Francis will identify the threats law firms and legal departments face in their day-to-day operations and articulate why ineffective incident response carries significant business and reputational consequences. His session will also explore how emerging trends in artificial intelligence (AI) misuse, evolving legal standards and data localization requirements are reshaping the cybersecurity landscape for legal professionals.

Mr. Bond will examine the foundational elements of a strong cybersecurity program, offering practical guidance on information governance, impact of AI and the role lawyers play in risk management. He will also cover employee training, cybersecurity insurance, attorney-client privilege preservation and workforce-related vulnerabilities such as insider threats and whistleblowers.

Session Times and Topics

The Cybersecurity Risk Environment – 2026: What Lawyers in Firms and Legal Departments Need to Know
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Panel Leader: Mark Francis

Cybersecurity Do's and Don'ts – 2026: Best Practices for Today's Evolving Risk Environment
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Panel Leader: Paul Bond