Last week, the legal sphere was abuzz with Latham & Watkins’ decision to modify the data management process for its Hong Kong staff. This globally reputed law firm has now restricted automatic access to files and documents outside of Greater China for its Hong Kong workforce. Rather than having free access, the employees need to seek approval, a departure from the firm’s earlier approach.
While this maneuver has sparked considerable debate, it is not a first of a kind. As per certain insiders, a number of international legal firms have either already implemented a similar strategy or are seriously mulling over the adoption of such a recourse.
The criticism Latham & Watkins has faced isn’t necessarily due to the change itself. In fact, several industry voices opine that the decision wasn’t inherently erroneous; the firm’s methodology of implementing it, however, left much to be desired. Many believe that it was the firm’s failure to effectively communicate with its team that ultimately generated the backlash.
Want to delve deeper? Visit this link for an in-depth analysis by Jessica Seah in the Asia Legal Briefing. Fascinating insights follow!