Authored by Sara Weathers

Severe weather events, including storms, flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures, are increasingly frequent and unpredictable. For law firms, these disruptions can damage offices, cause data loss, and interrupt client service. Taking proactive steps now helps protect both operations and reputation.

Assess Property and Flood Exposures

Standard property insurance often excludes flood damage, and rising construction costs can leave firms underinsured. Law firms should review property limits, consider separate flood coverage, and ensure policies reflect current replacement values.

Plan for Business Interruptions

Severe weather can halt business operations through power outages, inaccessible offices, and supply chain disruptions, affecting billable work. Business interruption coverage can replace lost income and cover ongoing expenses during downtime, if limits and waiting periods are properly structured.

Protect Data and Technology

Weather-related outages increase the risk of data loss and cyber incidents, especially for firms using remote access. Offsite backups, secure cloud systems, and cyber insurance are essential to a modern risk management strategy.

Develop a Disaster Preparedness Plan

Insurance is essential, but it is most effective when paired with a clear disaster response plan. Establish protocols for office closures, client communication, remote work, and data recovery to minimize disruption during severe weather.

Prepare Now, Not After

With severe weather becoming the norm, proactive planning is essential. Reviewing coverage, identifying gaps, and updating disaster plans now will help law firms be prepared regardless of future conditions.