Top-tier US firm upsets blocks personal email access

The new policy follows leaks of compensation details from the firm that’s famously mum on pay particulars.

Lawyers and staff from Jones Day are upset after the BigLaw firm began barring access to personal emails on company-owned devices.

The firm’s new policy was put in effect shortly after information about associate salaries were compiled and published by Above The Law.

“People are going to be upset when they see this,” a tipster wrote to the publication about a new memo the company sent out.

In the memo, Jones Day said that the secure web gateway software Forcepoint will be distributed to company devices at 12:00 noon on 5 July.

With the software update, select consumer email, social media and chat/messaging services including Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, Snapchat and HotMail were permanently blocked.

The firm previously used WebSense, an older version of Forcepoint. The software was renamed when Raytheon | WebSense acquired Stonesoft from Intel Security in January this year.

Jones Day noted in their memo that Forcepoint will not block messaging to or from banned services ­­– so employees could still send emails to a Gmail address, for example – but does prevent access to these services via web browsers on company devices.

The restriction is in place on the devices, which means access to the banned services will be in effect no matter where they are located.

Nonetheless, the law firm did note that when connected to the firm’s JD_Guest and JD_Portable Wi-Fi networks using personal devices, employees could still access the said services.
 

Recent articles & video

Allens assists Seraya Partners with landmark acquisition of ASX lister

Law Council of Australia, ACT Bar call out underfunding in legal aid sector

NSW Law Soc, LexisNexis team up on AI Glossary

Report recommends US federal courts award monetary damages for workplace misconduct

Report highlights racial challenges faced by South Asian partners in the UK

Michael Best & Friedrich enters California market by absorbing Los Angeles law firm

Most Read Articles

Revealing the top influencers in Australia’s legal profession for 2024

HSF helps consortium wth Ulinda Park BESS project financing

Federal Court fines employer for failing to issue payslips

Lander & Rogers brings in digital economy practice head