Morning Briefing: Firms concerned over security in cloud-based solutions

A survey of 184 law firms reveals that 41 per cent have increased their spending on technology on 2015 with 15 per cent making cuts to the budget and 44 per cent keeping it the same. The poll by the International Legal Technology Association and Inside Legal found that wireless networks, video conferencing and workflow automation are among the items on most tech shopping lists. However there is concern about how technology is used and its security.
More than half (59 per cent) of respondents were concerned about security management while 48 per cent are worried about email management. Cloud-based tech is also an issue for 63 per cent of those polled who said they have security concerns about using cloud-based solutions.
On social media, 54 per cent of respondents said the firm has a Twitter account but only 4 per cent post messages frequently with the tracking topics the largest use of the platform.

Johnny Depp’s wife faces court action over imported dogs
A court case is due to begin today (Monday 7^th Sept.) over two imported dogs called Boo and Pistol. Amber Heard, wife of actor Johnny Depp is accused of illegally importing the two Yorkshire terriers into Australia and the matter will be heard by magistrates in Queensland. News Corp. Australia reports that the dogs were brought into the country on a private jet but were not included on the flight manifest. Depp and Heard were in Australia earlier in the year to film on the Gold Coast for Depp’s latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie. If Heard is found guilty of the illegal import then she could be jailed for up to 10 years and face a fine of up to $100k. She is not expected in court for the hearing at which her lawyers will seek an adjournment.   
 
US law firms pick up experienced London lawyers
British law firms are losing experienced older lawyers as retirement fears Jomati shows that many lawyers in their 40s and 50s are making a move to avoid being pushed into early retirement to make way for younger lawyers. The FT reports that UK firms have a history of handling retirements poorly and risk losing experienced lawyers. Jomati says that law firms need to change the way they handle retirement. US firms are increasing their presence and market share in the UK.