If They Can Breach an Insurance Giant, What’s Stopping Them from Hitting Your Law Firm?

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I recently read something eye-opening in an insurance journal — a reminder that cybercrime isn’t just evolving, it’s organizing.

There are now cybercriminal groups that no longer just pick off random companies with weak cybersecurity. Instead, they target entire industries, strategically identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities across the sector. 

One such group is known as Scattered Spider, and their newest target? The insurance industry.

In recent months alone, major players like Philadelphia Insurance Company, Erie Insurance, and Aflac have been hit with significant cyberattacks. These breaches not only disrupted their operations, but in Erie’s case, have already led to multiple class action lawsuits.

Let’s think about that…

These are companies that:

  • Handle sensitive data every day
  • Have risk management baked into their company DNA
  • Invest hundreds of thousands of dollars (if not millions) into cybersecurity infrastructure

… and they still got breached.

So here’s the question every law firm should be asking:

If these highly protected insurance companies aren’t safe, what makes you think your firm is?

The Ugly Truth – Law Firms Are Prime Targets

You might be thinking, “We’re a law firm — not an insurance company. Why would hackers bother with us?”

Here’s why:

  • You store the same type of sensitive data: personal information, financial records, privileged communications.
  • You likely don’t have the same kind of IT budget or internal safeguards that large insurers do.
  • And from a hacker’s perspective, that makes you low-hanging fruit.

Whether you’re a solo practitioner in Pittsburgh or part of a mid-sized firm in Cleveland, you’re exposed — and attackers know it.

The Smart Next Step For Your Firm: Cyber Liability Insurance

Even if you have antivirus software, firewalls, and employee training in place (and you should), there’s another essential layer of protection… 

A tailored cyber liability insurance policy.

This isn’t just about protecting your firm — it’s about protecting your clients and your reputation. A single breach can take down your operations, cost tens of thousands in recovery, and damage your trust with clients.

Cyber policies are more affordable than most firms realize, especially compared to the cost of recovering from an attack.

Want to Learn More?

I go deeper into these risks and solutions in my book, Game Over? Not Today! 

It’s written specifically for professionals like you — attorneys, advisors, and business owners who want to understand the threat landscape and take action before it’s too late.

Pick up my free book today here -> https://bit.ly/INF-Game-Over-Not-Today 

Stop procrastinating. Protect your firm, your data, and your clients.

If you’re in Pennsylvania or Ohio and want to explore your cyber coverage options, I’d be happy to help.

I’m Don Ivol — your insurance guy.

Unique Follow Through

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Every golfer has a unique follow-through. Whether it’s long and graceful or short and awkward, it’s the finishing move that gets the ball where it needs to go. Without a proper follow-through, even the best swing won’t deliver the result you’re aiming for. The same is true when it comes to insurance protection for your law office.

Most attorneys start the swing—they carry legal malpractice insurance. But too many stop short. They don’t follow through by protecting themselves against cyber liability. And that’s where the shot falls short.

The Risk of Not Following Through

I hear it all the time:

“I’ve been meaning to look into cyber insurance…”
“We’re a small office—nobody’s going to hack us.”
“We don’t have any information that hackers want.”

Wrong. Those are all excuses—and dangerous ones. Hackers aren’t just targeting the big fish. In fact, they have a name for small firms that lack sophisticated cyber defenses:
“Low-hanging fruit.”

Law firms, even solo practices, store exactly the kind of data hackers crave—names, addresses, Social Security numbers, banking info, legal documents, and confidential case files. That’s gold to a cybercriminal. And without the security infrastructure of a Fortune 500 company, you’re an easy target.

What About My Malpractice Policy?

Another common myth I hear is this:

“My legal malpractice policy already covers cyber claims.”

Not quite.

Your legal malpractice policy might include a small amount of ancillary cyber coverage—but not nearly enough to protect you if a serious breach occurs. Cyber incidents can trigger lawsuits, regulatory fines, business interruption, ransom demands, and reputational damage. You need a dedicated cyber liability policy to handle those risks.

Protect Your Clients. Protect Your Practice.

Your legal malpractice policy is your swing.
Cyber insurance is your follow-through.

If you want your protection to actually reach its target—your clients, your firm, your future—you have to complete the motion.

There are no mulligans in the world of cyber claims. Once you’re hit, the damage is done—and without the right coverage, it could be devastating.

So, take the next step. Don’t stub the shot. Follow through and secure cyber liability coverage for your law office.

It just makes sense -> https://integrityfirstins.biz/Home/CyberIndication

Do You Have the Right Number of Clubs in Your Bag?

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There’s a reason why golfers are allowed to carry 14 clubs in their bag—because no single club can handle every shot on the course. Different situations call for different tools, and smart golfers prepare for anything that might come their way.

The same logic applies to legal malpractice insurance. Just like a full golf bag, your malpractice policy should be equipped with a range of coverages—each designed to help you handle the many different “shots” you’ll face in your law practice.

Here are the 14 “clubs” I believe every law firm should have in their insurance bag:

1. Prior Acts Coverage

Make sure your policy covers work you’ve done before the current policy period.

2. Career Prior Acts Coverage

Even better, find a policy that offers coverage for the entire span of your legal career.

3. Sufficient Policy Limits

Don’t come up short. Ensure your limits are high enough to handle a serious claim.

4. A Deductible That Matches Your Firm Size

Balance affordability with risk—your deductible should reflect your firm’s resources.

5. Coverage for Disciplinary Matters

Ethics complaints happen. You’ll want protection if your license is ever at risk.

6. Extended Reporting (Tail) Coverage

If you retire or switch carriers, make sure you can still report claims from past work.

7. Free Retirement Tail

Look for policies that offer a complimentary tail when you permanently retire.

8. A Broad Definition of “Insured”

Make sure your policy clearly includes all attorneys, staff, and affiliated roles.

9. Coverage for Of Counsel and Independent Contractors

These contributors need protection too—confirm they’re covered under your policy.

10. A Less Restrictive Consent-to-Settle Clause

Avoid a true “hammer clause” that forces your hand in claim settlements.

11. Easy Reporting Methods

Claims should be reportable via mail, email, phone, or even fax—without hassle.

12. Local Defense Counsel

If you’re in Pennsylvania, make sure Pennsylvania lawyers will defend you.

13. A Malpractice Helpline or Hotline

Quick access to guidance can help you avoid missteps before they become claims.

14. An Efficient Renewal Process

Renewals shouldn’t be a burden. Find a carrier that makes it easy and smooth.

Just like golf, preparation matters. But unlike golf, you don’t have to stop at 14 clubs. Your malpractice coverage should be tailored to your specific needs, not limited by an arbitrary number.

So, before you tee off or sign your next policy renewal—check your bag. Make sure you have everything you need to play a strong legal defense game.

Reporting A Claim Is Important

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In law, as in life, things can change quickly—and not always for the better. When it comes to legal malpractice insurance, a sudden shift usually means one thing: a claim has been filed against you.

If that ever happens, there are several important steps you’ll need to take. But one step matters more than all the others:

Report the claim or potential claim immediately.

This cannot be overstated. As soon as you become aware of an issue, you should contact your carrier—whether by phone, email, mail, or fax. However you choose to report it, just make sure you do.

At INF, we encourage clients to include us on all claim-related correspondence. This allows us to follow up directly and ensure proper documentation is in place from the beginning.

You might think reporting a claim is a no-brainer—but too many insureds hesitate or delay. Why?

  • Denial: Hoping the issue will disappear
  • Discomfort: Avoiding the stress of reliving the situation
  • Delay: Believing there’s more time than there actually is

Unfortunately, these delays can lead to devastating consequences. When a claim is finally reported late, coverage can be denied—simply because of the timing. This is not a situation you want to be in.

So here’s the bottom line: 

If you suspect a malpractice claim is coming, report it immediately.

Think of it as giving yourself a free shot from a buried lie. It’s the first—and most critical—step in protecting yourself, your firm, and your future.

Game Over? Not Today — Why Every Business Needs to Read This Free Cyber Insurance Book

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We recently published a brand-new book titled Game Over! Not Today and the best part? It’s absolutely free. This guide is designed to help business owners like you understand the ins and outs of cyber liability insurance, and more importantly, how to protect your business from the growing threats in today’s digital landscape.

Why You Should Download It

Cyber threats aren’t just a big-business problem anymore. Small and mid-sized businesses are increasingly being targeted by hackers, and unfortunately, many are caught unprepared. That’s exactly why we wrote this book—to demystify cyber insurance and give you the tools and knowledge to confidently face these challenges.

Every chapter in this book offers valuable insights, but there are two chapters I really want you to pay close attention to: Chapter 6 and Chapter 8. These contain immediate, actionable advice that could make all the difference if your business ever experiences a cyber event.

🔐 Chapter 6: Building a Strong Incident Reporting Process

When a cyberattack happens, chaos can follow—unless you have a plan. Chapter 6 walks you through exactly how to build a strong incident reporting process, so you’re not left scrambling in the heat of the moment.

Inside, you’ll learn:

  • Who you need to contact (with phone numbers and email addresses already laid out)
  • What your immediate next steps should be
  • How to document and report the incident to your insurance carrier
  • What details are critical to have on hand before something goes wrong

This chapter ensures that when you’re hit with a cyber event, you’re not asking, “What do I do now?”—because you’ll already know.

👥 Chapter 8: The Importance of Employee Education

Your employees are your first line of defense, and Chapter 8 dives deep into why education and engagement are critical. A team that understands what a cyberattack looks like—and feels confident raising their hand when something seems off—can prevent a bad situation from getting worse.

You’ll discover:

  • How to create a team-oriented cyber-safe culture
  • What to include in your employee training
  • Why employee involvement in your cyber response procedures is non-negotiable

From phishing emails to ransomware, your team needs to know what to look for and how to act fast—and this chapter gives you the playbook to make that happen.

Your Next Step: Download the Book

If you’ve ever felt unsure about cyber liability insurance or what steps to take if your business is attacked, this book is for you. It’s practical, straightforward, and best of all, it’s free.

📘 [Click here to download Game Over? Not Today now!] 

Get My New Book on Cyber Liability Insurance – Absolutely Free!

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I’ve been working hard behind the scenes, and I’m thrilled to finally share some exciting news — I’ve completed my book on cyber liability insurance, and I want you to have it for free!

The book, titled Game Over, Not Today,  is designed to be your roadmap for preparing your office to defend against cyber threats, while also demystifying the coverages found in a typical cyber liability policy.

Through the experiences of two fictional small businesses — Legal Eagles LLC and Helping Hands Chiropractic Corp. — you’ll follow their journeys navigating the cyber landscape using smart risk management practices and the right insurance coverage. I’ve included real-world examples and simple, effective explanations of policy terms and definitions to make even the most complex topics easy to understand. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your current protections, this book will help you upgrade your cyber defense strategy.

Why did I write this book?


One of the most common questions I hear from clients and prospects is, “I don’t even know what cyber liability is — why would I need to insure against it or implement cybersecurity systems?” This book answers that question and many others. It was written with the goal of helping you better understand the cyber risks your business faces every day, and why taking action now is so important.

Here’s what you’ll get from the book:

  • A clear understanding of cyber liability insurance
  • Real-life solutions to common cyber exposures
  • Practical steps to enhance your office’s cybersecurity
  • Peace of mind — and it won’t cost you a dime!

In fact, by applying the strategies outlined in the book, you could end up saving money by reducing the likelihood of a cyber claim in your business.

Getting your free copy of “Game Over, Not Today” is easy. 

Click here to download the book now!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to strengthen your business against today’s growing cyber threats. It’s a quick, valuable read that could make all the difference!

Who’s Your Legal Caddie? 

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I had the opportunity to attend the RBC Heritage and watch some of the world’s best golfers up close. As impressive as the athletes were, I found myself equally captivated by their caddies.

These pros weren’t just carrying clubs—they were walking the course, mapping out every bunker and green, noting pin placements, and essentially acting as strategists for every single swing. They knew the course like the back of their hand and had prepared for every possible scenario. It got me thinking…

Who’s the caddie in your law practice?

As attorneys, you juggle a lot—client meetings, court appearances, case research, filing deadlines, and firm management. But like the pros on the PGA Tour, even the most talented lawyers can’t win alone. Success isn’t just about doing it all yourself—it’s about knowing who’s walking beside you.

Think about it:

  • Who’s helping you read the green? In other words, who’s helping you navigate the unpredictable twists and turns of your cases?
  • Who’s helping you avoid the sand traps? Are you keeping up with the latest case law and compliance updates to steer clear of costly missteps?
  • Who’s helping you prep the course? Is your team proactively setting you up for success—whether it’s paralegals, support staff, your marketing agency, or trusted advisors?

It’s tempting to want to be the player, the coach, and the caddie all at once. But that’s a tough (and exhausting) game to win. Just like the pros, you need someone in your corner helping you make the right calls, spot the risks, and keep your eye on the pin.

So I’ll ask again: Who’s your caddie?

Whether it’s someone managing your operations, reviewing insurance and compliance, or supporting your client intake and marketing, having the right help is what turns good attorneys into great ones.

The Extra Benefits You Get as a Client of Integrity First Corporation

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I wanted to take a moment to share something important with you: the additional benefits you receive as a valued client of Integrity First Corporation.

Today, I’m not discussing policies or coverage–Instead, I’d like to highlight the exclusive resources and value-added tools available to you as part of the Integrity First community. These tools are designed to streamline your processes, enhance risk management, and keep you informed and empowered.

1. Your Personal, Secure Client Portal

One of the best perks we offer is access to our secure client portal, built on Citrix ShareFile with state-of-the-art encryption. With this portal, you have 24/7 access to your policies and applications, 365 days a year.

You can:

  • Create your own username and password
  • Send and receive encrypted emails
  • Upload documents directly to me
  • Complete and forward renewal applications with just a few clicks

It’s a sleek, secure, and incredibly helpful tool. If you’re not using it yet, I highly encourage you to log in and see how it can simplify your policy management.

2. Bi-Weekly Risk Management Emails

Every two weeks, we send out valuable emails to all of our clients. These include:

  • Risk management tips
  • Updates on emerging trends in legal malpractice
  • Articles on what to watch out for in cybersecurity and professional liability

Our goal is to keep you ahead of the curve so you can protect your practice with confidence.

3. Educational Videos

In addition to email updates, we also create and share short videos every couple of weeks. These videos cover topics like:

  • Legal malpractice insurance insights
  • Cyber insurance essentials
  • Tips for completing your insurance applications correctly
  • Industry news you need to know

We keep things practical and relevant — no golf stories, I promise! Just actionable content to help you stay informed.

4. Free Webinars and Live Events

We regularly host free webinars featuring expert speakers in legal malpractice and cyber liability. These webinars often come with CE credits, so not only are they educational, but they can also help you fulfill ongoing education requirements at no cost. Be on the lookout for announcements via email — they fill up quickly!

5. A Wealth of Resources on Our Website

Our website is a hub of valuable information. It’s home to every single video we’ve created — over 150 and counting! You can browse, watch, and learn at your convenience. We also have articles, risk management resources, and tools designed to help you navigate complex insurance topics with ease.

When you become an insured client with Integrity First Corporation, you gain access to so much more than just insurance coverage. We’re here to support you, educate you, and make managing your professional risks as simple as possible.

If you’re not already taking advantage of these resources, I encourage you to start today! Log in to your portal, check out our latest video, or register for an upcoming webinar.

Why Lawyers Need to Plan for Retirement Tail Coverage

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Today I want to share something important: tail coverage. No, not the wagging kind—but retirement tail coverage for lawyers.

Retirement is supposed to be a time to relax and enjoy the rewards of your hard work. But for lawyers, retirement can come with lingering risks. Even after stepping away from the profession, retired attorneys can still be sued for legal malpractice—sometimes even 2, 3, or 5 years after retirement.

What Is Retirement Tail Coverage?

Retirement tail coverage, also known as an extended reporting period endorsement, is a provision in your professional liability insurance that protects you from malpractice claims made after you retire. The good news? If you have an active policy, most insurance providers will offer a free retirement tail—provided you meet their qualifications.

Do You Qualify for Free Retirement Tail Coverage?

Here’s where planning ahead becomes crucial. Most insurance policies require that you:

  • Have continuous coverage with the same provider for at least three consecutive years before retirement.
  • Officially retire from practicing law.

If you meet these requirements, your insurer may grant you a free retirement tail. But if you don’t qualify, purchasing tail coverage can be expensive—typically 250% to 300% of your last premium. For example, if your final premium was $2,000, you could pay $6,000 or more for retirement tail coverage.

What Should You Do Next?

If retirement is on your horizon—whether in the next few years or further down the road—make sure you check your policy at least three years in advance. Talk to your broker, review your coverage, and ensure you qualify for free tail coverage.

Need help navigating your options? Call me at 412-563-2106! I’d be happy to review your policy and make sure you’re set for a stress-free retirement.

Remember, planning ahead means you can truly enjoy your retirement—without constantly chasing your tail. 😉🐶

Navigating Hazards: What Golf and Legal Malpractice Insurance Have in Common

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If you’ve ever played a round of golf, you know the course is full of hazards. Whether it’s sand traps, thick rough, trees, or even dreaded water hazards, every hole presents its own unique challenges. And if you play golf like me, you tend to find all of them! But as I was out on the course recently, I realized that golf isn’t too different from running a law practice.

Whether you work in a large firm or operate as a solo practitioner, your daily practice is full of hazards. Blown statutes of limitations, hidden conflicts of interest, or even taking on the wrong client—each of these can lead to serious consequences. But unlike in golf, where you have to navigate hazards on your own, in the legal world, you have a safety net: legal malpractice insurance.

The Advantage of Legal Malpractice Insurance

One of the key benefits of most legal malpractice policies is access to risk management resources, often in the form of a hotline. This invaluable tool allows you to consult with experienced professionals who can help you navigate complex situations. Whether you need guidance on a tricky legal issue, are unsure how to proceed with a particular case, or simply want to double-check your risk exposure, making a quick call to the hotline can help mitigate potential problems before they escalate into claims.

Imagine if golf worked the same way. What if you could call up a pro like Scottie Scheffler and ask for advice when you’re in a tough spot—trapped in a bunker with a pebble behind your ball and a tricky shot ahead? Unfortunately, that’s not an option in golf. But in law, you do have that lifeline, and it’s wise to take advantage of it.

Use the Tools at Your Disposal

Legal malpractice insurance isn’t just there to protect you after a claim arises—it’s a proactive tool to help you manage risks before they turn into major problems. So, the next time you find yourself facing a professional hazard, remember to use the resources available to you. Pick up the phone, call the hotline, and get the advice you need.

In golf, you have to play the ball where it lies. But in law, you don’t have to face hazards alone.

And remember—I’m Don, your insurance guy, not your golf guy!

Have any questions about the risk management hotline? Call INF at 412.563.2106