The world heavily relies on technology in its everyday functioning. It encompasses all aspects of human existence and is an indispensable part of our species’ evolution in the 21st century. But there is also a darker side of cyberspace that the world is thoroughly aware of. Overdependence on technology has increased breaches of individuals’ security and privacy.
This digital world has led to international and national steps to mitigate and contain the challenges through legislation. A cybersecurity lawyer is needed to help this world develop and maintain technology democratization. This article explores the multiple routes to becoming a cybersecurity lawyer with the skills and job options.
1. Degree Programmes
Besides a law degree, you can seek experience in networking and different operating systems to become a cybersecurity lawyer. To be distinguished, you can also opt for an advanced law degree. There are four graduate degree programs to choose from while becoming a cybersecurity law expert.
1.1 Masters of Legal Studies (MLS)
This degree provides compliance, research and analysis knowledge, ethics, risk management, and professionalism.
Although a master’s degree does not allow the graduate to practice law, it opens plenty of opportunities in private companies especially in risk and compliance departments as an assistant or paralegal.
1.2 Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.)
This degree enhances one’s legal knowledge and allows the graduates to practice law in any state (provided they pass the State Bar Examination).
1.3 Masters of Laws (LL.M.)
This master’s degree is widely known and sought after. It is internationally known as a post-Juris Doctor law degree. For this degree, a U.S. student must have a J.D. degree and an International Student must have LLB or any other equivalent degree.
LL.M. focuses on a specific legal area, giving the students expertise in that aspect. LL.M. in Cybersecurity Law and Data Privacy or related degrees will help the graduate secure a job practicing law in this field in law firms, the government sector or in-house counsel at any corporation.
1.4 Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)
This is the highest degree in the law field. S.J.D. is equivalent to a Philosophy doctorate. Many institutions have a prerequisite of students having an LL.M. or PhD are only eligible for S.J.D.
2. Certifications
Apart from the conventional path of obtaining degrees, specialized certifications or courses hasten becoming a successful cybersecurity lawyer. A cybersecurity lawyer is expected to know the basics of technical knowledge.
Some popular courses are CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CFCE (Certified Forensic Computer Examiner), CISSP, Malware Analysing, CISA and more.
Although such courses are expensive and require commitment, they’re worthwhile, especially for cybersecurity law students intending to pursue this area, as they help them learn legal principles, understand how professionals manage security risks in the legal world and more.
3. Other requisite Skills to become a Cybersecurity Lawyer
Cyberspace is a competitive area, and individuals will need skills other than basic understanding and degrees to thrive. Below are some indispensable skills required to become a cybersecurity lawyer.
1. Analytical mind: Cyber lawyers must have legal knowledge to identify and mitigate threats. This will require an analytical mind to absorb complex data and devise solutions for clients.
2. Tech proficiency: A technical background or knowledge is necessary in cyber law. With tech understanding, a lawyer will be able to help clients in tech-heavy cases, advice on threats and, most importantly, help better in legal aspects as well.
3. Client satisfaction: The bottom line of being a good lawyer is ensuring their clients are satisfied. Lawyers need to have a reliable clientele to become distinguished, and the key to this is to be responsive, professional and solution-oriented.
4. Communication skills: A lawyer must socialize with clients and network with colleagues. Good communication skills are never a con in the legal field. It also helps a lawyer to present their cases better, bond with their clients, and so on in an easy manner.
5. Cyber Law Knowledge: It is indispensable for a Cybersecurity Lawyer to lack cyber law knowledge. There are various types of legislation regarding the same in all aspects: local, national, and international. All of these are important to thrive in this field, given the competition and evolution of cyberspace.
6. Privacy law understanding: Being updated with privacy laws and data protection laws is crucial. Be it local, national or international, with updated information, a lawyer can advise, consult and litigate a cyber case fancily than adhering to traditional basic solutions.
7. Updated on trends and threats: Technology development is constant and keeps evolving. A Cybersecurity Lawyer must be updated on the latest cyber trends, new threats, and ways to mitigate challenges with their legal implications and protect their clients. At the same time, they must follow the ethics of this profession, which many conveniently forget at times.
8. Project management: As a Cybersecurity Lawyer, one must audit, organize data breach response, manage security measures, prepare briefs, respond to complaints and so on. Therefore, one must complete multiple tasks in a limited timeframe, demanding management skills.
4. Step-wise guide on How to become a Cybersecurity Lawyer:
Step 1: The basic requirement is to have a law degree. It can be any law degree according to your plan and needs. Various degrees can help you become a successful cybersecurity lawyer, such as LL.M., S.J.D., M.L.S., and so on.
Step 2: After a degree such as a J.D., one can appear for their state’s Bar examination and gain a law license to practice. Eligibility for the exam has certain qualifications. It is to be ensured that one can work as an advisor or paralegal only with degrees such as LL.M.
Step 3: Understand the practical applicability of cyber laws. Gain experience in the field through thorough practice.
Step 4: Only through practice and experience can one become an expert in cyber law. The only other requirement is to stay updated on the field’s current developments, i.e., legal and information technology development.
5. Functions of a Cybersecurity Lawyer
A Cyber Lawyer is an expert with knowledge of technology and law. Their basic functions might be:
1. to safeguard entities and individuals from illicit or unauthorized electronic data access & handle the legal facets of cybercrime.
2. Interpret and enforce cyber laws and protect businesses, government entities, and private individuals from illegal data breaches.
3. to mold digital policy and fortify cyber defenses.
A Cybersecurity Lawyer’s work is comprehensive and subjective. It includes analyzing risk, consulting clients regarding information technology safeguards or defenses, drafting policies, handling data breaches, etc.
6. Job Profiles
As a Cyber Lawyer, you can work in various fields. A non-exhaustive list of the same is mentioned below:
6.1 Litigators
They largely handle court proceedings, including defending or representing their clients in cybercrime cases. They usually have a higher knowledge of court procedures, coupled with their knowledge and expertise.
6.2 Legal Consultants
They use their expertise to help clients with defenses and compliances. Any enterprise, individual or sector can hire a legal consultant for anything, such as drafting, interpreting contracts, assisting in policies and procedures, etc.
6.4 Crisis Managers
Crisis managers are helpful in cases of cyber misconduct. They help mitigate losses and navigate legal repercussions in case of data attack or breach.
6.5 Advisors
Advisors are in maximum demand. Legal advisors are not usually involved with court procedures; their work is limited to helping their clients with legal obligations and navigating through a case in brief.
7. Other job profiles
With a major in law or technology-related courses and knowledge of both, you can become an advisor or a consultant. The job market is filled with opportunities for skilled cybersecurity legal professionals. Subjective to their requirements and the institutions need a non-exhaustive list of such profiles is provided below:
- Security specialist
- Cybercrime Investigator
- Risk Manager
- Security Code Auditor
- Network Administrator
- Information Security Manager
- Cyber Operations Specialist
Cybersecurity lawyers are an indispensable aspect of modern society with emerging technologies. They act as a shield in protecting individual privacy and data protection when the breach is vast and information is vital.
8. Conclusion
It can be conveniently concluded that there are multiple paths to becoming a cybersecurity lawyer. You can opt for school, learn through practice and experience, work in multiple fields, etc.
This also makes this field competitive as people of different backgrounds and paths compete. But, with the right skills and hard work, as explained above, one can easily thrive in this field. The need for a cybersecurity lawyer is vital to make this world promote technology democratization.
9. FAQs
9.1 How much can a cybersecurity lawyer earn?
The salary in this field depends on your networking, sector, enterprise and expertise level. Due to the high demand for lawyers in the global cybersecurity market, you can expect an average pay within 2-3 years of practical experience.
9.2 What courses do I need to take to become a cybersecurity lawyer?
Legal professionals must have a law degree. You can obtain additional degrees to gain additional knowledge and expertise or opt for independent courses to gain tech knowledge. There is no other degree pre-requisite.
9.3 What jobs can a cybersecurity law degree offer?
A cybersecurity law degree doesn’t exhaust compelling you to become a lawyer only. With knowledge, experience, and skills, other job options are available, and employers are keen to hire such graduates or professionals. Some such job profiles include Cybercrime Investigator, Risk Assessment/Manager, Security Code Auditor and many more.
Last Updated on by Pragya Chakrapani
