Advantages of becoming an ISO 27001 certified law firm

Published On : August 31, 2022

In today’s digital age, as society becomes more digitally literate, modern law firm clients are demanding that their attorneys do way more than just “talk the talk” when it comes to data privacy. Becoming an ISO 27001 certified law firm is just one of the many ways attorneys are starting to “walk the walk” and get dead serious about security. Most industry experts refer to ISO 27001 as the “gold standard” for information security certification. Even though the process of obtaining ISO 27001 certification is a bit long-drawn and rigorous, law firms stand to benefit phenomenally from such a detailed and comprehensive review of their security practices. Moreover, getting the ISO certification demonstrates to clients (both current and prospective) that your law firm meets the highest security standards currently available in the industry. Let’s now learn more about ISO 27001 certification, how it can benefit your law firm, and how legal practice management software can help.

What is ISO 27001 certification?

ISO 27001 is a global standard for managing information security. This standard was initially developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Though one of many standards under the ISO / IEC 27000 umbrella, ISO 27001 is considered the most well-known of these standards. The standard outlines clear requirements that law firms need to follow to establish, maintain, and monitor an information security management system, regardless of size.Any law firm interested in ISO 27001 certification doesn’t work directly with ISO or IEC. Instead, law firms that meet the standard’s requirements can retain an ISO certification body to certify them if they successfully complete an audit.

Steps needed for ISO 27001 certification

The process of obtaining an ISO 27001 certification begins by looking inwards. Your law firm must first complete an internal audit by establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving their Information Security Management System (“ISMS”).One recommended method for conducting an internal audit is known as the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” process:

Plan: The firm identifies internal and external security challenges and prioritizes solutions. It is at this stage that the law firm will develop its own Information Security Management System (“ISMS”).
Do: The firm implements training, processes, procedures, and technology to help address the deficiencies outlined in the ISMS.
Check: The law firm analyzes the effect of implementing the ISMS.
Act: The firm takes additional action based on the results of implementing the ISMS.

Benefits of ISO 27001 certified law firm

ISO 27001 certification protects law firm
ISO 27001 certification protects clients
ISO 27001 certification boosts law firm business

ISO 27001 certification may sound complex, but there are easy ways to ensure that you are storing data securely. For example, instead of obtaining ISO 27001 certification, you can use products that meet ISO 27001 certification requirements.

To summarize…

The whole process of becoming an ISO 27001 certified law firm is a comprehensive undertaking. There will be months of planning and work that involves every employee of your law firm. You also need to keep in mind that you will also need to reapply for ISO 27001 certification every three years and continuously monitor your policies and security controls to ensure they’re continuously and relentlessly standing up to threats.As the gold standard for information security, ISO 27001 is a very attractive certification for law firms. ISO 27001 certified law firms stand out from the crowd as businesses with increased security and commitment to data protection