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' We are continuously looking at
changes in the legal services
sector and the sectors in which
our clients operate in order to
create collaborative matter
management tools, develop
time-saving apps and make the
best use of data analytics.'
Rob Kirkness
Protecting your data
Arbitrations typically involve the transfer of
vast amounts of data between counsel, clients,
arbitral institutions and the arbitral tribunal.
Once transferred, the data may be stored for years
by the different participants. Some of that data
may be highly sensitive. In today's age of constant
cyber threats, we must remain vigilant to safeguard
the security of that information.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the
different national data regimes may restrict the
menu of available options in any particular
situation. Counsel and their clients must work
together with the institution administering
the proceedings and the arbitral tribunal to identify
potential cyber security issues and ensure that
appropriate safeguards are put in place to protect
confidential data.
The potential for arbitration lawyers to enhance
the quality of their offering by harnessing new
technology is obvious, but not all technologyinspired
initiatives will achieve that objective.
Clients do not want change for the sake of change,
or the latest bells and whistles just because they
exist. Clients will continue to rely on counsel to
help them navigate the different options available
and mitigate the associated risks.
' Every case can benefit from the
appropriate use of new
technologies. Finding the right
approach for our clients requires
both legal expertise and a deep
understanding of the available
technologies. We combine both
to deliver the best results.'
Elliot Friedman
The transformative potential
of technology
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