KMK Law, CIO: We Have an Aware User Base That Cuts Across Generations

Richard E. Wills, CIO at KMK Law, speaks with David Hammond, Senior Account Executive at Parallel Technologies, about the adoption of remote technology in terms of law, cybersecurity, and the impact of remote work.

Speaking about adopting remote technologies in the realm of practicing law, Wills states that there are certain similarities as well as differences that surface in varioust practice areas. He notes how the labor and employment practice area has different needs and tools than the real estate or corporate group. With the various needs, tools, and technology concerning practice areas, he highlights the importance of presenting technology in a remote environment as that is how most of the work is currently conducted. 

He considers this shift as a challenge that can be overcome with an open-minded staff willing to train, work and adapt to new technologies to figure out efficient solutions to the problems, especially in a remote environment. 

Wills then sheds light on the importance of cybersecurity. Considering the size of the organization, the firm needs to depend on its security partners for the protection of clients’ information. He asserts that the problem is similar to those of any global firm, adding that the firm deploys the best tools to keep its information safe. Having said that, he also believes in constant improvement of cybersecurity policies through penetration testing, adopting newer technology, partnering with MSSP and the likes to preserve security.

He further points out that the firm has an aware user base that cuts across all generations. People working with the firm take the mandatory training, without which access to the systems is denied. He feels thankful to have gotten100%support and participation from the leadership, which resulted in a great learning experience for the workforce.

Wills further reflects how the closed courthouses, with no court proceedings or depositions, resulted in the adoption of remote means to carry out depositions over platforms like Zoom. This, he says, has created interesting challenges in practice areas, such as the presentation of exhibits or monitoring the transcription of proceedings. There are technical problems that need to be addressed as well.

He states that although people are returning to offices for attorney visits and meetings, much of the communication still happens remotely. Hence, to maintain attorney-client confidentiality, he urges attorneys to be conscientious while disposing of official documents and having devices like Alexa in the workspace in the context of overhearing conversations.

Wills concludes by stating how grateful he feels to have learned about the business of law, and acknowledges the value his team adds to the practice of law.