Clayton Utz now has a dedicated cyber incident response team

Clayton Utz now has a dedicated cyber incident response team
Clayton Utz has expanded the capabilities of its Forensic & Technology Services practice by introducing a cyber incident response team.

"This cyber incident response service nicely complements our existing offering to clients in forensic investigation, accounting and technology services,” explained Clayton Utz's national practice group leader for FTS, Paul Fontanot.

The firm has hired two leading cyber and forensic specialists from PwC who will provide clients with access to a dedicated in-house cyber protection, detection, and response service.

Lex Burke is the team’s senior manager with more than 20 years of IT and multimedia industry experience. He is joined by manager Chris Courtis, who’s background is in computer science, cyber forensics, information security and management, and security and terrorism/counter-terrorism.

“There's enormous benefit to clients in being able to access these services within a law firm. FTS is not an adjunct to, but is embedded in, our legal teams on client matters,” added Fontanot. “This is extremely valuable in terms of both matter and cost management, as well as helping the client to be proactive in identifying and managing issues."

Law firms sign up to mental health initiative
Several law firms and financial institutions are among a new alliance focusing on avoiding workplace practices that negatively impact mental health and wellbeing.

Developed by law firms Pinsent Masons and Addleshaws, together with Barclays Bank, the Mindful Business Charter marks the first time the financial and legal sectors have joined together to promote better mental health.

"Professional advisers are often in a position of privilege, so it is easy to underestimate or overlook the impact of the work they do on their wellbeing. Mental health issues impact people at all levels and in all sectors. Changing working practices have increased those pressures significantly. It is not good enough to just accept that as the price we have to pay. We have a responsibility to make changes."

Along with Pinsent Masons and Addleshaws, Ashurst, Baker McKenzie, Clifford Chance, Eversheds Sutherland, Hogan Lovells, Norton Rose Fulbright, and Simmons & Simmons are founding signatories of the UK-based Charter.

“By looking at the ways we work with our clients and each other we can remove unnecessary sources of workplace stress. This will help to ensure that the law is, and remains, an attractive and sustainable profession. We are proud to be part of it,” commented Keith Froud, Managing Partner (International), Eversheds Sutherland.

Clifford Chance advises Macquarie on proposed investment
A team from Clifford Chance has advised Australian financial services company Macquarie on an investment in Macquarie AirFinance.

The investor is PPGM Infrastructure Fund which will take 25% stake in the aircraft operating lease firm, its first investment in the industry.

The Clifford Chance team was led by London based Partners Joel Ziff (Corporate) and William Glaister (Aviation), who were supported by Corporate lawyers Riaz Pirmohamed and Rachel Brown.