The Ethics of Legal Technology

The Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct recognize that part of a lawyer’s duty to maintain competence includes keeping abreast of the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology. This segment examines this ethics requirement and provides an overview of what attorneys must do in order to comply. The segment focuses specifically on computer security, cloud technology, and other major current risks associated with the use of technology in the practice of law. Examine the issue of cybersecurity and try to provide a baseline for how best to interpret the standard of “reasonability” under the Rules of Professional Conduct and ISBA Professional Conduct Advisory Opinions on electronic information and security. The second half of the program includes “deep dive” a systematic review of a comprehensive computer security checklist for lawyers. Attendees should leave with a broad understanding of fundamental computer security concepts and a practical framework within which to apply these ideas throughout your devices and networks.