A law firm should protect its data with encrypted backups that are isolated from your live systems and tested regularly, covering your case files, your LEAP data and your Microsoft 365 data, alongside a clear recovery plan. Your matters and client records are among your most valuable assets, and a backup you’ve never tested is just a hope, not a safeguard.
Data loss can come from a server fault, an accidental deletion, or ransomware, and any of them can stop client work and put you in breach of your duties. Here’s how to make sure you can always recover quickly.
1. Back up the things that matter
That means your LEAP data, your documents and case files, and your Microsoft 365 email and data. Many firms assume Microsoft 365 is backed up for them; it isn’t, and protecting it against accidental deletion and account compromise is essential.
2. Keep backups isolated and encrypted
Backups need to be encrypted and kept somewhere ransomware can’t reach and encrypt along with your live data. Isolated copies are what let you recover after a serious attack rather than paying a ransom.
3. Test that they actually restore
The only backup that counts is one you’ve proven you can restore. Regular test restores confirm the backups work and show how long recovery takes, so during a real incident there are no surprises.
4. Have a recovery plan
A simple, written plan covering what gets restored first and how you keep working in the meantime turns a data-loss event from a crisis into a managed task. For a firm with completion deadlines, knowing you can be back up quickly is worth a great deal.
For a conveyancing or high-street firm, this is part of a managed IT service that usually costs about £45 to £100 per user per month, covering everyday support, the security that protects your client account, and tested backups.
Why law firms choose First Stop IT
First Stop IT has supported businesses since 2002, including conveyancing and high-street law firms, and we know the software your practice runs every day: LEAP, Oyez forms, eSigner, BigHand, Sage Payroll, PTP and Xero, alongside Microsoft 365. We support conveyancing and high-street firms in Harlow, Bishop’s Stortford, London and across Essex and Hertfordshire. Our credentials include:
- Cyber Essentials Certified
- IASME Cyber Assurance (Gold)
- NCSC Assured Service Provider (Cyber Advisor for Cyber Essentials)
- Microsoft Partner
- Crown Commercial Service Supplier (G-Cloud)
- Quality Principles Certified
We look after more than 2,000 endpoints across 50 companies, we’ve been named a Top 50 UK MSP for three years running, and we support organisations with 10 to 100 employees across Essex, Hertfordshire and London, including Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford.
Book a free IT and cyber security review
Not sure your case files and LEAP data would survive a serious incident? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and we’ll test your backups and recovery plan.