Bring your own device (BYOD) policies aren't new to law firms, but they aren't consistently found in the small and midsize firms that employ the bulk of U.S. lawyers. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some smaller firms are attempting to catch up to the robust BYOD policies commonly found in Big Law, in large part to avoid exposing client data to increased cybersecurity threats.

But to be sure, not all firms are looking to shore up this area of risk.

RJH Consulting legal practice development consultant Beth Slate, who works with boutique and midsize firms, found many of her clients didn't have a BYOD or mobile device management plan before or after COVID-19 forced law firms to transition to a remote workforce.