Lewis Brisbois Orders Remote Attorneys Back to Office After Cyberattack
On June 10, 2026, Lewis Brisbois required remote attorneys to return to office after a cyberattack.
Why it matters: The directive highlights how cyberattacks disrupt law firm operations and workplace policies, raising compliance risks legal leaders must manage.
- On June 10, 2026, Lewis Brisbois restricted remote network access due to a cyber intrusion.
- Remote and hybrid staff must work onsite or bring existing equipment home until new devices arrive.
- The firm is procuring equipment to support secure remote work.
- In Q4 2025, top law firms leased nearly 800,000 sq ft of NYC office space, signaling a return-to-office trend.
On June 10, 2026, Lewis Brisbois & Bisgaard LLP issued a directive requiring all remote and hybrid attorneys to either return to its offices or bring their existing office computers home. This action was taken to secure systems after a cybersecurity breach blocked external network access.
Elijah Bernal, a Lewis Brisbois spokesperson, stated the firm must restrict remote access while purchasing and deploying new secure equipment to enable safe remote work moving forward. Until then, staff must comply with one of these two options to maintain operational security.
This incident exemplifies the growing operational challenges law firms face balancing cybersecurity risks with flexible work arrangements. Legal operations leaders confront increased compliance and data protection demands driven by evolving cyber threats targeting remote access.
Supporting this shift, a Commercial Observer report details that in Q4 2025, several major law firms including Kirkland & Ellis, Goodwin Procter, and McGuireWoods leased nearly 800,000 square feet of New York City office space, reflecting a significant return-to-office momentum within large law firms.
Lewis Brisbois’s response underscores broader industry trends emphasizing on-premises work to safeguard client data and meet regulatory obligations amid heightened cybersecurity risks.
By the numbers:
- June 10, 2026 — Date Lewis Brisbois restricted remote access following cyberattack
- 800,000 sq ft — Office space leased by major law firms in NYC in Q4 2025
- Q4 2025 — Period marking increased office leasing activity by BigLaw firms
Yes, but: While Lewis Brisbois mandates a return to office or specific equipment protocols, the firm is actively investing in new remote work technology, indicating a balanced approach to cybersecurity and workforce flexibility.
What's next: Law firms are expected to continue investing in cybersecurity infrastructure and reevaluate remote work policies as cyber threats evolve through 2026.