Do you support Clio and PCLaw practice management software?

Yes. We support Clio Manage, Clio Grow, PCLaw, Soluno, and other legal practice management platforms. We handle integrations, user provisioning, data migration, and troubleshooting so your team can focus on practicing law.

How do you protect solicitor-client privilege in the IT environment?

Solicitor-client privilege requires that only authorized personnel can access client files. We implement role-based access controls (RBAC) in your practice management and document management systems, audit logging for all file access, and encryption for emails and documents containing privileged information. We also configure Microsoft Purview sensitivity labels to prevent accidental external sharing of privileged documents.

Can you secure trust account data specifically?

Yes. Trust account data must be protected from unauthorized access and retained for specific periods under LSO rules. We apply additional access controls to trust accounting software (PCLaw, Soluno, CosmoLex), maintain separate audit logs for trust account system access, and include trust account data in protected backup tiers with longer retention periods.

IT Services for Law Firms and Legal Professionals in Canada

Law firms handle some of the most confidential information in existence: solicitor-client privileged communications, witness statements, financial records, and litigation strategy. A data breach at a law firm can compromise cases, expose client secrets, and result in Law Society discipline. Canadian law firms are also prime ransomware targets because adversaries know that disrupting access to files creates immediate pressure to pay. Since 2008, Outsource IT Canada has helped law firms across Ontario build IT environments that protect privilege, support legal-specific software, and satisfy Law Society technology requirements.

Law Society of Ontario Technology Requirements

The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Rules of Professional Conduct require lawyers to maintain competency with relevant technologies and to implement reasonable security measures to protect client confidentiality. The LSO has issued guidance covering:

Cloud storage: firms must understand where client data is stored and ensure appropriate safeguards exist
Email: confidential communications must be encrypted or appropriately protected
Cybersecurity: firms should conduct risk assessments and implement security controls proportionate to their practice
Third-party vendors: firms remain responsible for breaches caused by their IT providers

Our managed IT contracts for legal clients include a vendor agreement that documents the security controls we implement on your behalf, supporting your LSO compliance obligations.

Legal Practice Management Software We Support

Your practice management software governs billing, deadlines, trust accounts, and client files. We support all major platforms used by Canadian law firms:

Clio Manage and Clio Grow — integrations, user administration, data migration, and Clio Payments configuration
PCLaw — legacy installation support, SQL database management, and migration to cloud alternatives
Soluno — cloud-based legal accounting and practice management support
CosmoLex — user provisioning, integrations, and troubleshooting
iManage Work — document management system administration for larger firms
NetDocuments — cloud document management configuration and access controls

Protecting Solicitor-Client Privilege

Privilege protection in the IT environment goes beyond passwords. We implement a layered approach:

Role-based access controls (RBAC): only attorneys and staff assigned to a matter can access its files
Conflict-of-interest database security: strict access controls on conflict checking databases
Email encryption: Microsoft Purview Message Encryption for sensitive client communications
Sensitivity labels: documents labelled "Privileged and Confidential" are blocked from external sharing
Audit logs: every file access is logged so you can demonstrate due diligence if privilege is ever challenged

Trust Account Data Security

Law Society trust accounting rules require meticulous record-keeping and strict access controls. Our approach to trust account systems:

Separate user accounts for trust accounting vs. general practice management access
Dual-control processes for large trust transfers where your firm uses them
Trust account data included in high-priority backup tiers with 7-year retention (meeting LSO records retention requirements)
Anomaly detection alerts for unusual trust account system access patterns

Email and Communication Security for Law Firms

Business email compromise (BEC) is the top cyber threat to law firms — attackers intercept real estate transactions by inserting themselves into email threads and redirecting wire transfers. We implement:

DMARC, DKIM, and SPF email authentication to prevent domain spoofing
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 with anti-phishing policies tuned for legal workflows
Safe Links and Safe Attachments to sandbox links and files before they reach inboxes
BEC-specific security awareness training for legal staff

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you support Clio and PCLaw?: Yes. We support Clio Manage, Clio Grow, PCLaw, Soluno, CosmoLex, and other legal practice management platforms. We handle integrations, user provisioning, and troubleshooting so your team can focus on legal work.
What are the LSO technology requirements for law firms?: The LSO requires lawyers to maintain technology competency and protect client confidentiality. This includes understanding where client data is stored (including in the cloud), encrypting sensitive communications, and conducting security risk assessments. Our legal IT contracts include documentation supporting your LSO compliance obligations.
Can you protect us from real estate wire transfer fraud?: Yes. Business email compromise (BEC) targeting real estate transactions is a significant threat to law firms. We implement DMARC/DKIM/SPF email authentication, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, and staff training on wire fraud red flags.
How do you handle trust account backup and retention?: Trust account data is included in high-priority backup tiers with 7-year retention periods, meeting LSO records retention requirements. We use immutable, encrypted backups stored in Canadian data centres.

Related resources

Cybersecurity Services — BEC protection, EDR, and ransomware prevention
Microsoft 365 for Law Firms — secure configuration with sensitivity labels and encryption
Managed IT Services — what's included in every plan
How to Choose an IT Provider in Canada
Get a Free Legal IT Assessment

Our services for your industry

Managed IT Services — 24/7 monitoring, help desk, and patch management on a flat monthly fee
Cybersecurity — EDR, dark web monitoring, phishing simulation, and incident response
Microsoft 365 — deployment, migration, Copilot, and Canadian data residency
Cloud Solutions — Azure migration, hybrid cloud, and PIPEDA-compliant Canadian data residency
AI Applications — Microsoft Copilot deployment, AI workflow automation, and AI governance
PIPEDA Compliance — privacy impact assessments, breach notification, and consent management

Ready to transform your IT? Call (416) 623-9677 for a free assessment.