DG Legal: Business Continuity Planning For Law Firms Course: Practical Readiness, Not Paper Compliance

Business disruptions can occur without warning, whether caused by cyber incidents, IT failures, loss of premises, staff shortages, or supplier issues. When they do, law firms must be able to continue delivering services, protect client interests, and meet their regulatory obligations.

This practical course provides a clear introduction to business continuity planning, helping firms develop proportionate and effective arrangements that work in practice, not just on paper. Delegates will explore the most common threats to operational resilience and understand how these risks can impact client service, compliance, and business performance.

The course guides firms through the key components of an effective Business Continuity Plan (BCP), including identifying critical business functions, prioritising recovery activities, setting realistic recovery objectives, and ensuring staff understand their roles during a disruption. Delegates will also learn how to plan and carry out meaningful tabletop exercises to test the effectiveness of their arrangements.

The emphasis throughout is on creating a practical, usable plan that is regularly reviewed, tested, and tailored to the firm’s size, structure, and risk profile.

Topics Covered

• Understanding business continuity and operational resilience

• Common threats to law firms, including cyber incidents, IT failure, staff absence, and loss of premises

• Identifying critical business functions and services

• Setting recovery objectives and priorities

• Developing an effective Business Continuity Plan (BCP)

• Roles and responsibilities during a disruption

• Third-party and supplier risk considerations

• Testing business continuity arrangements through tabletop exercises

• Reviewing, maintaining, and improving your BCP

• Practical scenarios and lessons learned

Target Audience

This online course is suitable for partners, directors, practice managers, COLPs, COFAs, compliance professionals, and senior administrators with responsibility for business continuity, risk management, or operational resilience. It is particularly beneficial for firms with limited internal compliance, risk, or IT resources.