Increasingly, clients are also requesting remote access to their documents and billing information at a firm, requiring yet another entryway into the system. Lawyers have always been concerned, even obsessed, with security, from protecting client documents to shielding privileged legal advice to safeguarding accounting information. Some of the obsession is justifiable. Precautions to protect the attorney-client privilege are required by the code of professional responsibility. Naturally, as technology raises new security risks, high-tech tools are used to enhance a firm's security systems.
Different passwords allow access only to certain types of files.
At Jones Day, some passwords used on the road allow access to e-mail but not to a document repository, says Mr. Martin. Firewalls, functioning like high-tech border guards, stand between a firm's system and the Internet. Encryption programs protect e-mail and documents when transmitting them among offices. But the technology that allows lawyers increased mobility and increased security is itself a focus of concern. Compared to a fax, yes.