Chief Legal Officers Take the Helm in Cybersecurity Efforts
A new report reveals a significant shift in how organizations are approaching cybersecurity, with chief legal officers (CLOs) playing an increasingly central role. The 2025 State of Cybersecurity Report by the Association of Corporate Counsel Foundation shows that 38% of CLOs now hold leadership positions in cybersecurity strategies, more than double the 15% reported in 2020.
This growing involvement underscores the evolving nature of cybersecurity, which is no longer viewed as solely a technical issue for IT departments. Instead, it is recognized as a complex challenge that demands strategic oversight from legal experts.
The Expanding Role of CLOs in Cybersecurity
CLOs are now integral to managing operational risks, incident response, liability, reputation management, and business continuity. The report highlights that 93% of organizations have a legal department representative on their incident response teams, with CLOs personally involved in 73% of cases.
Fifty percent of CLOs now sit on teams with direct cybersecurity responsibilities, while 32% of organizations employ at least one dedicated cyber lawyer—twice the percentage reported in 2020.
Key Concerns for Legal Leaders
CLOs identified phishing, social engineering, data breaches, ransomware, and a lack of awareness as top concerns related to AI-powered cyber threats. Reputational damage, liability, and business continuity threats are the three main cybersecurity-related concerns for legal leaders.
These findings are based on a survey of 278 in-house legal professionals across 16 countries and 20 industries. The report serves as a call to action for in-house counsel to embrace their expanding roles and develop cybersecurity expertise to address legal and regulatory challenges in an ever-changing threat landscape.
This trend reflects a broader understanding that cybersecurity requires strategic attention from top leadership, including legal expertise, to navigate the complexities of modern threats effectively.
The Growing Importance of Legal Expertise in Cybersecurity
The Report’s Methodology and Scope
The 2025 State of Cybersecurity Report was compiled based on a comprehensive survey of 278 in-house legal professionals, representing organizations across 16 countries and 20 industries. This diverse sample provides valuable insights into the global trends shaping the role of legal departments in cybersecurity.
The report’s findings underscore the rapid evolution of cybersecurity as a strategic priority, with legal teams increasingly at the forefront of these efforts. By analyzing responses from such a broad range of industries, the report highlights the universal challenges organizations face in addressing cyber threats.
Regional and Industry Variations
While the overall trend shows a significant increase in CLO involvement in cybersecurity, the report reveals notable variations across regions and industries. For instance, organizations in highly regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology are more likely to have dedicated cyber lawyers and formalized cybersecurity governance structures.
Additionally, companies in regions with stringent data protection laws, such as the European Union, reported higher levels of legal involvement in cybersecurity strategies compared to other regions. This reflects the growing importance of compliance and regulatory adherence in shaping cybersecurity practices.
A Call to Action for In-House Counsel
The report serves as a clear call to action for in-house legal teams to embrace their expanding roles in cybersecurity. It emphasizes the need for legal professionals to develop specialized expertise in areas such as data privacy, incident response, and cyber risk management.
By proactively addressing these challenges, CLOs and their teams can play a pivotal role in safeguarding their organizations’ reputations, mitigating legal liabilities, and ensuring business continuity in the face of evolving cyber threats.
The Broader Implications for Organizations
The findings of the report highlight a critical shift in how organizations approach cybersecurity, moving beyond traditional technical measures to embrace a more holistic, strategic framework. This framework requires collaboration between legal, IT, and other departments to create a unified response to cyber threats.
As cyber threats continue to grow in sophistication and frequency, the integration of legal expertise into cybersecurity strategies will remain essential for building resilient organizations capable of navigating the complexities of the digital age.
Conclusion
The evolving landscape of cybersecurity has ushered in a new era where chief legal officers (CLOs) are playing a pivotal role in safeguarding organizations. As revealed in the 2025 State of Cybersecurity Report, the involvement of CLOs in cybersecurity strategies has more than doubled since 2020, rising from 15% to 38%. This shift underscores the recognition that cybersecurity is no longer solely a technical challenge but a strategic and legal imperative.
CLOs are now integral to managing operational risks, incident response, and reputational damage, with 93% of organizations involving legal departments in incident response teams. The report also highlights the growing importance of specialized legal expertise, as 32% of organizations now employ dedicated cyber lawyers—twice the percentage reported in 2020.
As cyber threats continue to grow in sophistication, the integration of legal expertise into cybersecurity strategies is essential. CLOs must embrace their expanding roles, develop expertise in data privacy and cyber risk management, and collaborate with IT and other departments to build resilient organizations. The findings of the report serve as a clear call to action for in-house legal teams to proactively address these challenges and navigate the complexities of the digital age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the trend in CLO involvement in cybersecurity?
The involvement of chief legal officers (CLOs) in cybersecurity has significantly increased, rising from 15% in 2020 to 38% in 2025, according to the 2025 State of Cybersecurity Report.
What role do CLOs play in incident response?
CLOs are increasingly involved in incident response, with 93% of organizations having a legal department representative on their incident response teams, and CLOs personally involved in 73% of cases.
What are the top cybersecurity concerns for legal leaders?
The top concerns include phishing, social engineering, data breaches, ransomware, and reputational damage. Legal leaders are also focused on liability and business continuity threats.
Why is legal expertise important in cybersecurity?
Legal expertise is critical for managing risks, ensuring compliance with regulations, and addressing reputational and liability concerns. It also helps organizations navigate the complexities of cyber threats and incident response.
What does the future hold for CLOs in cybersecurity?
The future indicates a continued expansion of CLO roles in cybersecurity, with a focus on developing specialized expertise in data privacy, incident response, and cyber risk management to address evolving threats and regulatory challenges.
