LOS ANGELES – April 22, 2025 – Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. announced today that it has been recognized by the Los Angeles Times as a “Top Law Firm.” In addition, the firm’s Real Estate practice received special attention, earning a Top 25 ranking from the publication.
“We’re proud to be considered alongside other prestigious law firms,” says Managing Shareholder Hemal Master. “This recognition is a testament to the talent and dedication of our team to our clients and the Los Angeles community.”
Frandzel’s practices include litigation, documentation, equipment finance, bankruptcy, employment law and banking. Featuring nationally and internationally recognized attorneys who are renowned leaders in their fields, the firm partners with clients to develop practical solutions to solve their toughest challenges.
Frandzel was recently recognized by Best Lawyers® as a Best Law Firm® 2025.
Frandzel is a recognized leader offering legal counsel and litigation services to financial institutions and businesses. For over three decades we’ve been providing clients with time-tested results and business insights to help them succeed. We are known for our highly responsive service, lasting client relationships and solutions that work.
Photo by Josh Miller on Unsplash
LOS ANGELES – April 21, 2025 – Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. announced today that Shareholders Hemal Master and Craig Welin have been recognized by Los Angeles Times as “Legal Visionaries.”
Those awarded are “some of the best and brightest in a large and highly competitive world of Southern California professionals, but it is their dogged dedication to both clients and craft that make them worthy of this recognition,” states the publisher.
Hemal Master “specializes in lender representation, advising commercial banks, private equity funds and financial institutions on real estate and commercial loan transactions, workouts, liability defense and enforcement of lender remedies,” according to the feature. “His recent work includes leading a $125-million syndicated hotel construction loan and restructuring a $120-million credit for an engine leasing company.”
Master’s extensive knowledge makes him a sought-after speaker on timely topics involving finance. He was named a “Top 100” Lawyer last year by the Los Angeles Business Journal.
The publication highlights that Craig Welin “has nearly 30 years of experience resolving business challenges in creditors’ rights, bankruptcy litigation, real estate financing and secured transaction workouts.” The profile continues, “Notable cases include serving as lead counsel for a federal equity receiver in a $1-billion Ponzi scheme, achieving a full return of principal to investors and representing a bank in a $2.5-billion asset sale.”
Frandzel is a recognized leader offering legal counsel and litigation services to financial institutions and businesses. For over three decades we’ve been providing clients with time-tested results and business insights to help them succeed. We are known for our highly responsive service, lasting client relationships and solutions that work.
LOS ANGELES – April 10, 2025 – Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. announced today that the firm has been recognized in the inaugural Chambers California Spotlight Guide for 2025. Distinctions from Chambers Spotlight recognize exceptional small and midsize business law firms throughout the state.
Chambers Spotlight listings are based on thousands of attorney and client interviews designed to identify law firms and lawyers that demonstrate the top technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by clients.
“Being recognized among leading law firms is a testament to the talent, dedication, and client-focused approach of our team,” says Managing Shareholder Hemal Master. “This honor reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional legal counsel and achieving outstanding outcomes for our clients.”
Frandzel’s practices include litigation, documentation, equipment finance, bankruptcy, employment law and banking. Featuring nationally and internationally recognized attorneys who are renowned leaders in their fields, the firm partners with clients to develop practical solutions to solve their toughest challenges.
Frandzel was recently recognized as a Top Law Firm by the Los Angeles Times and as a Best Law Firm by Best Lawyers in America.
Frandzel is a recognized leader offering legal counsel and litigation services to financial institutions and businesses. For over three decades we’ve been providing clients with time-tested results and business insights to help them succeed. We are known for our highly responsive service, lasting client relationships and solutions that work.
LOS ANGELES – Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. announced today that Shareholders Michael Gomez and Steven Bloom have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2025 Southern California Super Lawyers list.
No more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team to be named a ‘Super Lawyer’ each year. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area.
Steven N. Bloom has been selected as a top-rated attorney in Real Estate for the 13th time. His practice emphasizes real property and commercial financings, debt restructurings and risk management. Bloom’s transactional matters include real property and other asset sales, documenting business arrangements, and loan documentation for banks and other providers of financial services.
Bloom has lectured throughout California for organizations including the California Bankers Association, Western Independent Bankers and RMA. He is a member of the Legal Affairs Committee of the California Bar Association and past chair of the Financial Institutions Committee of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of California.
Michael Gomez has been recognized as a top-rated attorney in Creditor Debtor Rights. He is an AV-rated attorney whose practice focuses on bankruptcy, debtor and creditor rights, commercial and business litigation, debt workout negotiations, and restructuring. Gomez specializes in commercial lending transaction documentation, covering both personal property and real estate-secured credits.
Gomez routinely moderates and speaks at educational presentations before clients and trade groups concerning bankruptcy, enforcing judgments, financing distressed borrowers, and agricultural lending issues. In 2024, he was recognized by Lawdragon as among “500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers.”
LOS ANGELES – November 2024
Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. announced today that it has been recognized by Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms® 2025 among the nation’s elite law firms. This is the 15th edition of the publication.
“Over the past decade, these awards have cemented their place as one of the most respected, utilized and comprehensive guides to legal excellence, serving as a trusted resource for both clients and legal professionals seeking distinguished representation in a diverse array of practice areas,” states the publisher. “This edition features firms that have not only achieved the highest standards of legal expertise but also have a proven track record of success across a range of complex and dynamic legal issues.”
Frandzel’s practices include litigation, documentation, equipment finance, bankruptcy, employment law and banking. Featuring nationally and internationally recognized attorneys who are renowned leaders in their fields, the firm partners with clients to develop practical solutions to solve their toughest challenges.
LOS ANGELES – September 10, 2024
Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. announced today that Shareholders Hal Goldflam and Brett McClure have been recognized by Lawdragon in its “2025’s 500 Leading Litigators in America.” The publication received a record number of submissions and based their selections on original journalistic research and an extensive vetting process.
“These lawyers win hundreds of millions, billions even,” states the publisher. “They win rights, or lose them. They win freedom, or lose it for someone. They have the abilities to change businesses and entire industries. It’s an audacious thing a trial lawyer does: to tell a judge, jury or other arbiter, ‘Hear me. Believe me. Rule for my client.’ Bravo to everyone here, and every litigator out there working on their craft and a cause.”
Mr. Goldflam’s practice focuses on business and commercial litigation at the trial and appellate levels. As an experienced litigator, trial and appellate attorney, he regularly represents banks and other financial institutions, including equipment lessors, in the area of commercial and general business litigation, creditor’s rights, secured transactions, banking law, real estate, fraud, and in the defense of lender liability claims. Mr. Goldflam has represented court-appointed receivers in many large-scale fraud cases brought by the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission. He also has extensive experience handling environmental litigation and compliance matters, public and private construction contracts disputes, real property disputes, and tort-related matters.
Mr. McClure’s practice focuses on resolving the business disputes of his clients, from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and high net worth individuals. He has served as lead or co-lead trial counsel representing plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts, as well as arbitration, across the nation. Mr. McClure has been recognized for his litigation and trial work by The Legal 500, was recently named a Litigation and Trial Lawyer “Leader of Influence” by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This is second consecutive year being honored in Lawdragon’s “500 Leading Litigators in America.”
LOS ANGELES – August 30, 2024
Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. announced today that Best Lawyers in America has recognized Andrew Alper, Marshall August, Michael Fletcher, and Michael Gomez in the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America, and Wesley King and Gerrick Warrington in the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. In addition, the firm received the prestigious distinction of “Best Law Firm.” The rigorous selection process of Best Lawyers awards “ensures that the 79,116 honorees in The Best Lawyers in America and the 26,916 recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America are leaders in their fields” and “are respected by their colleagues, showcasing them as the most distinguished members of the legal community.”
“As an industry-driven professional recognition, it is the opinion of lawyers themselves that determines our awards,” states the periodical. “We received record-breaking voter participation in this year’s editions. With more engagement from the market, the barrier for recognition is higher and more competitive than ever before. This reflects not only the profession’s commitment to celebrating professional excellence, but also the increasing importance of every voice in shaping the standards of legal distinction.”
The Firm’s 2025 distinctions:
- Andrew K. Alper – Bankruptcy, Creditor Debtor Rights /Insolvency and Reorganization
- Marshall August – Bankruptcy, Creditor Debtor Rights /Insolvency and Reorganization
- Michael Fletcher – Bankruptcy, Creditor Debtor Rights /Insolvency and Reorganization
- Michael Gomez – Bankruptcy, Creditor Debtor Rights /Insolvency and Reorganization
- Wesley King – Real Estate
- Gerrick Warrington – Bankruptcy, Creditor Debtor Rights /Insolvency and Reorganization
LOS ANGELES – June 28, 2024
Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. announced today that Wesley King and Gerrick Warrington are recognized in the 2024 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation guide. This authoritative guide honors the burgeoning legal talent infusing traditional and innovative practices with fresh energy and forward-thinking perspectives.
The attorneys featured represent the “future and an undiminished belief in the opportunity each of them has to make an impact in their chosen field of expertise,” states the publisher. “What started as our hope to shine a light on the future of the legal profession has turned into our own inspiration.”
Managing Shareholder Hemal Master adds, “We are so proud to have such devoted attorneys at our firm. Wes and Gerrick’s inclusion exemplifies the bright path they will continue to forge in the field of law.”
Mr. King represents commercial banks, private lenders, funds, and other financial companies in a wide variety of transactional matters. Mr. King also advises, structures, negotiates, and documents loan restructurings, distressed debt workouts, and other business disputes with the goal of maximizing collections and avoiding costly litigation for his clients.
Mr. Warrington is a bankruptcy lawyer and commercial litigator. He specializes in representing banks, private lenders, loan servicers, and other financial institutions and businesses in chapter 11 and chapter 7 bankruptcy cases, including appeals. He also represents businesses, including lenders, commercial landlords and tenants, and others in business and insolvency-related litigation in state and federal court.
As Lawdragon emphasizes the essential diversity, talent, and determination embodied by the new generation of legal leaders, Mr. King and Mr. Warrington’s recognition in this prestigious guide represents their commitment to these values and their standing as key players in shaping the future of law.
LOS ANGELES – February 1, 2024
Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. announced today that Shareholders Steven N. Bloom and Michael Gomez have been distinguished by their peers and named to the 2024 Southern California Super Lawyers list.
Annually, Super Lawyers, a lawyer rating service, recognizes no more than five percent of attorneys in each state. This honor highlights lawyers from over 70 practice areas who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievements and garnered substantial peer recognition. The selection process is rigorous and patented, involving a comprehensive statewide lawyer survey, an independent candidate evaluation, and specialized peer reviews within various practice areas.
Steven N. Bloom has been selected as a top-rated attorney in Real Estate for the 12th time. His expertise encompasses real property, warehouse and commercial financings, debt restructurings, and risk management. His transactional work includes asset sales, business arrangement documentation, and credit facilities for banks and financial service providers. He is a past chair of the Financial Institutions Committee of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of California, and a past member of the Legal Affairs Committee of the California Bankers Association.
Michael Gomez has been recognized as a top-rated attorney in Creditor Debtor Rights. His practice focuses on bankruptcy, debtor and creditor rights, commercial and business litigation, debt workout negotiations, and restructuring. He specializes in commercial lending transaction documentation, covering both personal property and real estate-secured credits. Gomez’s diverse client portfolio includes debtors, creditors’ committees, hedge funds, indenture trustees, equipment lessors, receivers, landlords, bankruptcy trustees, judgment creditors, private and institutional lenders. His experience spans out-of-court workouts, federal and state court litigation, and chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13 bankruptcy cases.
Frandzel is a recognized leader offering legal counsel and litigation services to financial institutions and businesses. For over three decades we’ve been providing clients with time-tested results and business insights to help them succeed. We are known for our highly responsive service, lasting client relationships and solutions that work.
Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. announced today that Partner Wesley King has been recognized by Los Angeles Times as a top leader in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Magazine.
“As 2023 draws to a close, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) remains a perennial hot-button topic that companies, no matter what business they’re in, must contend with not only to function on a day-to-day basis but to sustain future growth,” states the publisher. “It is clear that implementing DEIA initiatives is vital for recruiting and retaining talent as well as attracting investors, but many businesses are slow to adopt clear objectives and actionable strategies. More awareness, transparency and effort are needed to drive change and instill a sense of acceptance among the workforce across America.”
Managing Shareholder Hemal Master adds, “We are so proud that Wes has been selected for this honor. This recognition serves as a reminder of the power we possess when we come together to celebrate diversity and embrace our authentic selves.”
King is the first openly gay Partner at the firm, a milestone in the firm’s 40+ year history. As the co-chair of Frandzel’s summer associate program, he is actively engaged in diversifying the firm’s recruitment efforts. Moreover, King is a member of the firm’s DEIA committee where he continues to lead Frandzel’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion among its attorneys and staff. King’s extensive involvement in the LGBTQ+ community includes his prior leadership as co-president and long-time board member of the LGBTQ+ Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, continuing to mentor local law students.
In his role as a transactional attorney, he specializes in complex financial matters, representing banks, lenders and financial institutions in a range of transactions, including real estate, commercial loans and asset-based credit lines. King adeptly handles restructurings and business disputes, prioritizing client success and minimizing litigation costs. His comprehensive background, including public finance and real estate, brings valuable insight into his clients’ needs.
Frandzel is a recognized leader offering legal counsel and litigation services to financial institutions and businesses. For over three decades we’ve been providing clients with time-tested results and business insights to help them succeed. We are known for our highly responsive service, lasting client relationships and solutions that work.
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 20, 2023 | PRNewswire
Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. announced today that Shareholder Brett McClure has been recognized by Lawdragon and included in the 2nd edition of its “500 Leading Litigators in America.”
These lawyers are “the pride of Litigation Nation. What [they] do better than anyone else in the world is litigate. And these are the advisors you want to send into battle,” states the publisher. “We’ve written about and researched lists of lawyers for well over 50 years and noted a transcendence of sorts in the candidates for this guide.” The archetype of a great litigator has, of course, moved with the times and now comes in all shapes, hues, backgrounds and sizes…Today’s litigation battles are small corporate wars that rely on heavily trained and specialized teams comprised of lawyers who are themselves stars.”
Recently recognized as a Litigation and Trial Lawyer “Leader of Influence” by the Los Angeles Business Journal, Brett McClure focuses his practice on resolving the business disputes of his clients, from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and high net worth individuals. He has served as lead or co-lead trial counsel representing plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts, as well as arbitration, across the nation and has also been recognized for his success in litigation matters by The Legal 500.
Frandzel is a recognized leader offering legal counsel and litigation services to financial institutions and businesses. For over three decades we’ve been providing clients with time-tested results and business insights to help them succeed. We are known for our highly responsive service, lasting client relationships and solutions that work.
Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. announced today that Shareholder Brett McClure has been recognized among top lawyers by the Los Angeles Business Journal in its 2023 edition of Leaders of Influence: Litigators & Trial Attorneys.
“There is a special breed of attorney that needs to transcend expert comprehension of the legal system – the litigator,” states the publisher. “Lawyers who go to the proverbial mat to fight for their clients before judges and jury have their own unique sets of skills. In this special section we share profiles of the very best litigators and trial attorneys in the region. These are the trusted advisors you want in your corner in court.”
Managing Shareholder Hemal Master adds, “this recognition is a testament to Brett’s legal prowess and dedication to his clients. We are very proud to have such a meticulous and tenacious lawyer representing our firm.”
McClure focuses his practice on resolving the business disputes of his clients, from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and high net worth individuals. He has served as lead or co-lead trial counsel representing plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts, as well as arbitration, across the nation and has been recognized for his success in litigation matters by The Legal 500.
McClure is skilled in providing insightful and pragmatic advice to avoid disputes and to resolve them if they ripen. He has litigated cases in an array of industries, including real estate, banking, business and consumer technology, entertainment, professional services, manufacturing and insurance industries. Brett’s recent experience covers a broad spectrum of practice areas including real estate disputes, environmental claims, consumer class actions, unfair competition, breach of contract, fraud, employment and trade secrets, personal injury / toxic torts and copyright and trademark disputes.
Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. announced today that Loren Gordon and Albert Moon have been recognized by Los Angeles Times as Commercial Real Estate “Visionaries,” and they are profiled in the annual Commercial Real Estate Magazine.
“In a state of constant recovery and reinvention, the Southern California commercial real estate market has been unpredictable, yet trending toward growth. These uncertainties have not deterred the talented people featured in this list of visionaries,” states the publisher. “These executives, lenders, builders, professional service providers have brought savvy, adaptability and relentless optimism to the commercial real estate world.”
Managing Shareholder Hemal Master adds, “this recognition is a testament to Albert and Loren’s immense dedication to clients. Their legal prowess and commitment to service make them powerhouses in the field of commercial real estate.”
Albert Moon represents private and institutional lenders in various real estate financings, including acquisition, construction, development and refinance of diverse properties. He also assists lenders with loan workouts, loan sales, real property transactions and distressed loan settlements. Mr. Moon recently represented financial institutions in securing loans for commercial properties nationwide, construction financing for a luxury resort and financing for hotels and mixed-use projects. He has also advised on financings for self-storage facilities, single-family home construction, leasehold interests, office space projects and industrial buildings.
Loren Gordon is a “highly accomplished transactional attorney specializing in commercial finance, real estate, and corporate transactions,” states the profile. With nearly two decades of experience, Mr. Gordon has represented banks, regional and community banks, private lenders, developers and entrepreneurs. He has successfully structured, negotiated, and documented billions of dollars in financing. “Gordon also excels in workouts and debt restructuring, aiming to maximize value for his clients and avoid litigation.” He has been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine and is a sought-after speaker on commercial lending industry topics.
LOS ANGELES, July 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/
Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. announced today that Michael Gomez has been recognized as a ‘Legal Visionary’ in Los Angeles Times’ third annual Business of Law Magazine.
“Southern California continues to maintain its status as a center for thought leaders and power brokers in the legal space. With so many superb law firms in the region, to be named as a standout attorney in what is surely one of the most impressive regional fields in the industry is quite an achievement,” states the publisher.
Michael Gomez focuses his practice in the areas of bankruptcy, debtor and creditor rights, commercial litigation, and business litigation; debt workout negotiations, restructuring and documentation of commercial lending transactions, and personal property and real estate-secured credits. He has represented various entities, including debtors, creditors’ committees, hedge funds, indenture trustees, equipment lessors, receivers, landlords, bankruptcy trustees, judgment creditors, private lenders, and institutional lenders in out-of-court workouts, federal and state court litigation, and chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13 bankruptcy cases.
Gomez routinely moderates and speaks at educational presentations before clients and trade groups concerning bankruptcy, enforcing judgments, financing distressed borrowers, and agricultural lending issues. Among his achievements, he has successfully resolved multiple workouts with and without court assistance.
Frandzel is a recognized leader offering legal counsel and litigation services to financial institutions and businesses. For over three decades we’ve been providing clients with time-tested results and business insights to help them succeed. We are known for our highly responsive service, lasting client relationships and solutions that work.
Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. has been recognized in the Los Angeles Times’ list of top law firms in Southern California. The list profiles the 100 leading law firms in Los Angeles County; Frandzel is also ranked as one of the top 25 real estate law firms. These 100 leading law firms employ 6,917 local attorneys and more than 11,000 total local employees. The list is ranked by total number of attorneys in L.A. County offices. To compile the list, B2B Publishing surveyed local, regional and national law firms and asked them to provide information about the number of attorneys and practice groups in their local offices.
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Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. announced today that Managing Shareholder Hemal Master has been recognized as a minority leader of influence in a special feature by the Los Angeles Business Journal. According to the publisher, the feature profiles “those standout minority attorneys considered to be particularly impactful on the legal scene while serving as trusted advisors.” Master maintains a robust practice focusing on all aspects of lender representation, including representation of commercial banks, private equity funds, commercial finance companies, hedge funds, factors and other lenders in real estate and commercial loan transactions, commercial and real estate loan workouts, lender liability defense, and exercise and enforcement of all types of lender remedies.
In addition to his experience with the firm, Hemal completed a three-year-long secondment to a major regional bank in which he advised on hundreds of matters involving distressed debt and supervised litigation on matters in 45 different states. Master also previously served as General Counsel of the Western Independent Bankers and on the Event Planning Committee for the Special Assets Management Association. He currently serves on the Legal Affairs Committee of the California Bankers Association. and Master is a graduate of USC and Tulane Law School.
Frandzel is a recognized leader offering legal counsel and litigation services to financial institutions and businesses. For over three decades we’ve been providing clients with time-tested results and business insights to help them succeed. We are known for our highly responsive service, lasting client relationships and solutions that work.
Gone are the days of “basic security.” What used to be optional is now standard: two factor authentication, complex passwords, clean desk policies, data encryption at rest and in transit, mobile device management and up-to-the-minute patching. Clients expect these items to already be in place and are further expanding their expectations. They expect sophisticated and secure systems to keep their information safe. This obviously makes your IT professional’s job much harder. Additionally, attorneys expect instant performance and near 100% up time.
Achieving the delicate balance between accessibility and security is a challenge. Meanwhile, clients continue focusing attention on documentation, planning and training. The frequency of client-initiated audits has increased dramatically over the last five years. In 2013, Frandzel received its first audit; it was one page long and consisted of seven questions. In 2018, the firm received five audits. All were greater than one hundred pages in length. The longest one included over seven hundred questions. All of the inquiries seek documented information security policies, incident response plans and business continuity plans. Vulnerability scans of networks are required on a monthly basis, with classification and inventory controls put in place immediately. Clients seek annual security awareness and phishing defense training for all staff. The most consistent change is a requirement that the firm conduct substantial employee background checks for every new hire.
Information Security Policies
Developing one security policy for all clients is far simpler than answering every question individually. This practice also provides the firm and its third party vendors with guidelines to adhere to. These policies become a firm’s bible to follow with regards to information technology security. They include general information on security management standards, classification and controls, information users, guidelines for personnel and physical
security.
a. Information Security Policies – These identify (1) the firm’s Information Security Manager (“ISM”), the person responsible for your information technology, (2) how to manage sensitive information and (3) who can access what in your firm.
b. Classification and Control – This describes the fundamentals of information security, including a description of the information you maintain and how is it classified (i.e., private, sensitive, restricted or confidential).
c. Information Users – In most cases, the human factor is a firm’s greatest risk. Password standards, workstation security and automatic screen protection, end of day log off requirements, unusual behavior detection, mobile device protection, good judgment policy and most importantly, training all come into play.
d. Physical Security – Having physical controls in place helps staff follow standards with regards to securing visitors and physical rooms. Educating staff regarding visitor policies, such as keeping a log with the visitor’s name, date, purpose of visit and physically keeping all server rooms locked, also aid in security. These are standard requirements and commonly considered basic controls today.
Incident Response Plan
This documents your organization’s formal response plan in preparation for a breach.
Requirements in this area vary widely. Clients frequently dictate policy inclusions such as
maximum notification times, specific contacts, and general best practices. Regardless of whether
client requirements exist, general best practices include developing these procedures today. It is
common for these policies to include some or all of the following:
a. Names of your incident response team and key clients and the numbers you need
to call if an incident occurs;
b. The name of your key resources needed to maintain or resume operations;
c. Procedures for various incidents;
d. Inventory of all hardware;
e. Inventory of all software;
f. Inventory of connectivity vendors;
g. Inventory of critical IT documents;
h. Location of data;
i. Location of passwords; and
j. Inventory of vital business records.
Business Continuity Plans
A growing best practice is to combine both business continuity and incident response plans into a single document. They are of equal importance and tend to contain similar information. Whether it’s a breach, fire, earthquake, etc., you will need to follow documented plans of action equally. The primary focus is to ensure operability of technology resources without interruption to minimize loss of revenue. Properly documented and tested plans will enable your firm to remain standing.
Vulnerability Scans
Our firm has been executing vulnerability scans for several years. After executing the initial scan we realized how critically important these scans were. Numerous open ports, default passwords, and service accounts that historically didn’t matter provided opportunities for access, hacking, and even email relays. Once the openings were identified, we realized what was open, the process of making refinements was effective and permanent. Future scans identified minimal vulnerabilities and risks, which were created due to modifications and improvements in the environment. As our system continues to mature, security risks diminish and confidence both internally and with the firm’s clients improved.
Classification and Inventory Controls
What do you have, where is it located and how is it classified? Prior to inventorying documents, one must understand what is in one’s possession. Some of our firm’s clients are classifying documents when they send them to us with designations such as Restricted, Confidential, Internal and Public. Because of client turnover, mergers, etc., clients are inquiring more frequently as to what client data is contained within our system. Developing a reference of contents that identifies contents will ease in your ability to respond. Collaborating with information technology professionals, managing attorneys, and internal practice groups will help accelerate this process. Clients are increasing the frequency with which they are making these requests; getting in front of them early will help your firm prepare for the inevitable.
Security Awareness Training
Security Awareness Training seems the most basic of items, but is one of the most difficult to adhere to. End users frequently believe that “it won’t happen to me”, “I’m tech savvy”, or “I can spot a scam a mile away”. This risk involves human awareness and training, and it likely provides the most risk and vulnerability within your firm’s environment. Clients are well aware of publicized security breaches, and are beginning to mandate that law firms require annual security training for all staff. Best practices suggest utilizing an external party that is fully equipped, knows the industry, and is current with ongoing and increasing scams. Utilizing an expert will help maintain an interested audience for a longer period. Preventing breaches by investing in training will result in a tremendous return on investment.
Phishing Defense Training
Conducting a random click sampling via emails distributed to a firm’s end users has the potential to create the most eye opening of events. A test email is pushed out randomly after everyone has been through Security Awareness Training. The intent is not to trap or blame employees; quite the opposite, it is to be utilized as a training tool to help them naturally identify and avoid future scams. Clients have not yet begun to demand this type of training. Regardless, we are doing this in an effort to better educate and prepare our attorneys and staff.
Preparing for Ongoing Security Challenges
Client requirements for law firms around security policies, procedures, and preparation will remain steadfast. We anticipate them continuing to escalate over time. By staying on top of ongoing audit requests, performing scans, and training employees, our firm is in a strong position. We utilize our experience and investment as a marketing tool to garner new business. While some attempt has been to minimize client requirements, embracing change and protecting your firm’s information security investment is not only wise, it may even impress your clients and garner the firm more business.
As we launch our new website we have reflected on the fact that for more than three decades Frandzel has been a recognized leader, providing legal counsel and litigation services to financial institutions and businesses. Our firm is built on highly responsive service incorporating trusted knowledge cultivated over the years. We are about helping our clients achieve their business objectives always striving for creative solutions to the toughest challenges.
We have great pride in our warm culture and mentoring environment. It has, in fact fostered many careers with longevity for our attorneys and staff. Our client relationships have stood the test of time and work with us as a valued business resource.
We look forward to continuing to serve the banking and finance communities incorporating with our time-tested culture and accumulated wisdom.
In 1979, Bob Frandzel founded what is today known as Frandzel Robins Bloom & Csato, L.C. Bob, with his unbound energy and enthusiasm, envisioned a state of the art go-to creditors’ rights and commercial law firm, and set out to create it with lawyers that shared his vision – but didn’t take themselves too seriously (as exemplified by the games, such as “Creditors’ Pursuit”, “Daze of our Loans” and “The Creditors’ Deal” that we created for our clients and friends over the years).
The games we created some years ago are a wonderful reminder of our caring culture and ability to laugh and have fun. But our philosophy was and is simple: every client is important, and we will do what it takes to get the job done. Whether closing a deal, litigating a dispute, or providing counsel, the success of our clients is our measuring stick.
