Legal Experts Stress Importance Of Data Protection In Legal Practice At NBA-SLP Webinar
In a one-day webinar organized by the Nigerian Bar Association Section of Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) titled ‘Data Protection in Legal Practice: The Dos and Don’ts’, legal experts emphasized the critical importance for lawyers to prioritize data protection in their professional practice.
Speakers at the well-attended event, Mr. Olumide Babalola, a Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth, and Mr. Ridwan Oloyede, co-Founder of Tech Hive Advisory, underscored the significance of understanding and upholding data protection principles in the legal profession.
Babalola stressed the paramount importance of maintaining confidentiality, particularly the attorney-client privilege, as a cornerstone of trust between lawyers and their clients. He highlighted the broader implications of data protection beyond traditional confidentiality concerns, focusing on practices such as data minimization, securing client consent for data use, and adherence to data retention regulations set forth by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
Additionally, Babalola emphasized the necessity for lawyers to integrate data protection considerations into their engagement letters and demonstrate compliance with Nigerian data protection laws to ensure accountability.
Oloyede echoed Babalola’s sentiments, emphasizing the prevalence of cybersecurity attacks targeting law firms and the imperative for meticulous data handling and encryption protocols. He underscored the importance of continuous website updates to bolster security measures and safeguard sensitive client and business information.
The webinar facilitated interactive discussions on practical data protection measures, including secure data disposal, CCTV usage protocols, and proactive breach prevention strategies. Participants gained insights into legal implications surrounding international data transfers and the consequences of inadequate privacy practices.
The session concluded with plans for future sessions focusing on artificial intelligence and IT policies with robust privacy provisions, indicative of the NBA-SLP’s commitment to fostering a more secure legal environment in Nigeria.
The webinar garnered positive feedback from attendees, with many commending the speakers for their insightful contributions and practical guidance on data protection practices. The significant turnout and engagement underscored lawyers’ keen interest in staying abreast of data protection regulations and best practices in the legal landscape.
The event, which attracted 1,945 registrants and 746 participants, commenced with opening remarks from Fernandez Marcus-Obiene, Chair of the Committee, and Boma Alabi, OON, SAN, Chair of the NBA-SLP, reflecting the widespread interest and importance attached to the topic of data protection in the legal profession.
