Law Firm Data Breach Exposes Client Information: Check If You Are Affected

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, a law firm known as WilmerHale, experienced a data breach in May that exposed personal information belonging to clients. A lawsuit filed in US District Court for the District of Columbia claims the breach affected thousands of people.

The lawsuit seeks damages for negligence and breach of contract on behalf of affected clients. If you or a family member used WilmerHale for legal services, your personal information may have been exposed in this breach. Law firms typically store sensitive data including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, financial information, and confidential legal matters.

The lawsuit indicates thousands of clients were affected. WilmerHale should have sent notification letters to affected clients, but if you are unsure whether you are impacted, contact the firm directly to ask.

1. Check your mail and email for a breach notification letter from the firm.
2. Contact WilmerHale directly if you have not received notification but used their services.
3. Monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com for your free reports.
4. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit files by contacting Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
5. Watch your bank and credit card statements closely for unauthorized charges.
6. Be alert for phishing emails or calls from scammers pretending to be from the law firm or related to legal matters. Protect yourself long term by checking your credit reports regularly, not just after a breach. Set up account alerts with your bank and credit cards to notify you of transactions. Be skeptical of unsolicited contact, especially if someone asks for personal information or payment. When choosing service providers like law firms, doctors, or financial advisors, ask what security measures they use to protect your data. Your information is valuable, and you have the right to know how it is being protected.