Here’s something most lawyers don’t expect to come up in a lateral interview: their cybersecurity habits.
But in 2025, law firms are under more pressure than ever to protect data—and that means being extra cautious when they bring in lateral partners who are moving books of business. The result? Your cyber hygiene can actually affect your candidacy.
Here’s what’s changed (and what to know before you move):
Firms Are Vetting What You Bring—Hard
Got client matter notes in your personal Dropbox? Red flag. Trying to bring over contact info from a shared spreadsheet? That’s probably getting reviewed by compliance.
In the 2025 ILTA Tech Survey, 61% of firms reported formal cybersecurity review steps in their lateral partner onboarding process.
Bad Habits Could Hold You Back
Did you send unencrypted client docs from Gmail? Work off your phone without MFA? These habits get noticed.
A recent Above the Law analysis found that 27% of lateral partner moves at Top 100 firms faced delays—or increased scrutiny—due to unresolved cyber concerns.
Clients Are the Ones Driving This Shift
It’s not just firms tightening up. Corporate clients are requiring certifications like SOC 2 or ISO 27001 from their legal vendors—and they want to know their lead lawyers get it.
For partners in high-stakes or regulated sectors (think financial services, biotech, healthcare), your fluency in cyber basics might be just as important as your courtroom track record.
What This Means for You
If you’re considering a move—or growing a practice inside a firm—it’s time to audit how you store, share, and secure information. A misstep today can mean a slower transition (or even a red flag) tomorrow.
Sources: ILTA 2025 Technology Survey; Above the Law Insights Q2 2025; ABA Cybersecurity Handbook, 2024 Edition
