Tim Lupinacci on Leadership and Why Cybersecurity Is Essential for Law Firms

Tim Lupinacci is the Chairman and CEO at Baker Donelson, one of the largest US law firms — composed of 650 attorneys and public policy advisors — representing over 30 practice areas. Under his tutelage, Tim led the firm through organizational reconstruction, growth, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He chaired the Financial Services Department and the Women’s Pathways to Leadership Committee and was a Diversity & Inclusion Committee board member. A self-professed “leadership junkie,” Tim continuously elevates his leadership skills through studying, reading, and learning from his failures. His passion for leadership inspired him to launch Everybody Leads, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals in underserved communities with essential leadership skills and confidence.

In this episode…

Cybercriminals target law firms because they store valuable and sensitive information. In a security breach, ransomware could lock down the office’s files for an extended period, making it impossible to perform routine operations. So, how can law firms protect themselves from cyberattacks?

Regardless of a firm’s size, all law offices are vulnerable. Tim Lupinacci, a chief leader at one of the most prominent legal firms in the US, advises implementing a strategic cybersecurity plan. Hiring a full-time CISO and security team could spearhead the program and strictly focus on managing cyber risks. Preventive measures like phishing simulations can prevent their colleagues from falling victim to cyberattacks. If a cohort fails the designated tests, they must attend additional training to protect themselves and the office's devices. Tim advises that the best protection is to be vigilant, have mitigation plans, inform staff members of the latest cyber threats, and educate them on “cybersecurity hygiene.”

On today's She Said Privacy/He Said Security Podcast, Jodi and Justin Daniels interview Tim Lupinacci, Chairman and CEO at Baker Donelson, about Baker Donelson's strategic cybersecurity planning, the importance of forging relationships between the C-suite and the firm's security team, and his personal experience with being hacked.