Mastering the Art of Legal Cybersecurity Employment
The digital age has brought about a new breed of lawyers, specializing in cybersecurity. These legal professionals are at the forefront of protecting companies and individuals from the ever-evolving threats in the digital space.
Regularly attending conferences such as RSA, Black Hat, IAPP, and subscribing to legal tech publications, cybersecurity lawyers stay updated on emerging threats, regulatory updates, and legal risk management in the digital world. They also participate in continuing legal education programs to deepen their technical understanding, often pursuing specialized certifications like CIPP/US, CISM, or CISSP.
A law degree or a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is essential for a career in cybersecurity law. The Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar course is also necessary for those aiming to practice law. However, postgraduate qualifications or short courses in cyber law or information security can give an edge in this field.
For instance, an LLM in Privacy Law and Cybersecurity focuses on legal aspects related to privacy and cybersecurity law, including mandatory and elective courses tailored to those topics. Other relevant master's degrees include MS in Cybersecurity or Information Technology with a Cybersecurity specialization, MS in Information Security Policy and Management, MS in Criminal Justice with a Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity concentration, and MS in Computer Science with a Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics specialization.
Short-term credentials, such as graduate certificates in cybercrime investigation, cybersecurity law, or information security policy from accredited institutions, can provide targeted expertise and can sometimes be stacked into full master’s degrees.
Many cybersecurity lawyers work in-house for corporations, particularly in sectors like finance, healthcare, and tech. They advise clients on cybersecurity regulations, incident response, and liability issues following data breaches. Some also work in private law firms with practices focused on technology, compliance, or corporate law.
Government agencies, such as the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, or national security organizations, also employ cybersecurity lawyers. Here, they enforce cybercrime laws and shape public policy.
The demand for tech-literate lawyers in the field of cybersecurity is on the rise. According to a 2023 report by the Law Society, there was a 19% increase in demand for such lawyers. This trend is reflected in the recruitment patterns of firms, with more companies hiring cyber-focused solicitors to avoid regulatory fines for non-compliance.
For those interested in this field, a strong understanding of technology and cybersecurity risks is vital. Attending legal tech events, considering courses in information security, and following developments in privacy and cybercrime law can help lawyers stand out in the field.
Junior roles in cybersecurity law start at around £38,000, and with experience, earnings can exceed £90,000. With the increasing importance of cybersecurity in today's digital world, a career in this field promises both challenges and rewards for those with a real interest in how law meets technology.
- To effectively navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, it's imperative for cybersecurity lawyers to focus on technology and regularly attend conferences such as RSA, Black Hat, IAPP, and subscribe to legal tech publications.
- As the demand for tech-literate lawyers in cybersecurity continues to grow, those interested in this field should seriously consider taking courses in information security, following developments in privacy and cybercrime law, and attending legal tech events to stand out in a competitive market.
