Many attorneys are prepared to address upsetting verdicts or provide legal support to crime victims. However, when legal professionals themselves are the target, it underscores the importance of protecting staff with a robust security framework and risk management strategy.
There are three key factors that raise the threat level of law firms:
01
Involvement in sensitive or controversial cases can increase a law firm’s exposure. This includes family law, criminal defense, immigration, and litigation against powerful individuals. The risks include physical violence, defamation campaigns, and threats to family members. In November 2024, a defense attorney was kidnapped and held hostage by one of his former clients, for example.
Attorneys that handle political work are vulnerable to unique threats. Two British lawyers claim to have been targeted by Chinese state actors due to their work defending a pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong. Additionally, the Trump administration has focused attention on certain law firms and law schools it claims may be violating presidential initiatives, thrusting certain attorneys and their practices into the political spotlight.
02
Legal personnel engaging in international travel face a further vulnerability, especially if their business abroad includes activities in high-risk territories, governed by unstable and/or hostile regimes.
These risks can include kidnapping for ransom or political leverage, surveillance, detention or entrapment by hostile governments, terrorist threats, and civil unrest. A recent example is the case of a public defender from Los Angeles who while in Venezuela for a personal trip was detained and held captive for twenty-one months.
03
Marquee office locations within major metropolitan areas bring a further inherent risk factor. Whether a firm’s profile makes it the direct target of the attack, like the destruction of a law office in Georgia, or if they are indirectly affected by broader social unrest, a mass shooting, or an act of terrorism, the latent risk of violence affecting the workplace is unavoidable.
Threats of violence are commonplace in the legal industry, and the rising frequency of incidents underscores the need for law firms to adopt comprehensive security measures, including:
‘Crisis management’ policies provide immediate access to expert response consultants in the event of a covered loss, along with comprehensive financial protection with regards to expenses incurred in navigating through a crisis. Often these policies will provide long-term support for affected employees, including medical expenses and counseling.
Preparedness support is accessible, with premium rebates available to practices that demonstrate a commitment to proactive risk management strategies. Crisis response firms will provide unparalleled consulting, advice, and support when navigating emergency situations.
Having a pre-established bench of specialists on call to assist during a time of crisis is an essential part of preparing for the worst. The Willis Crisis Management team includes experienced professionals in ‘special crime’ insurance that can customize solutions to meet your unique exposures. For additional information, reach out to your WTW contact.
To read about the recent increase in kidnappings within the cryptocurrency industry, check out this insight article.
WTW hopes you found the general information provided here informative and helpful. The information contained herein is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with your own legal advisors. In the event you would like more information regarding your insurance coverage, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. In North America, WTW offers insurance products through licensed entities, including Willis Towers Watson Northeast, Inc. (in the United States) and Willis Canada Inc. (in Canada).
