In professional services, trust is everything. Your clients

depend on you to safeguard their most sensitive information, meet strict

deadlines, and maintain absolute confidentiality. But what happens when an

unexpected event, from a cyberattack to a power outage, brings your operations

to a halt?

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster, and an additional 25% fail within one year. For professional services firms holding irreplaceable client data, the stakes are even higher.

That’s where business continuity planning comes in.

For law firms and CPA practices across the Bay Area — from San Jose and Campbell to Palo Alto and San Francisco — a strong continuity and disaster recovery strategy isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about preserving client trust, meeting regulatory obligations, and ensuring your business can function no matter what happens.

What Is Business Continuity Planning?

Business continuity planning (BCP) is the process of

preparing your firm to operate during and after an unexpected disruption. That

could mean anything from a server crash during tax season to a ransomware

attack that locks you out of your case files.

A continuity plan ensures you can:

  • **Protect

    critical data and client files**

  • **Minimize

    downtime and lost billable hours**

  • **Meet

    compliance requirements** such as FTC Safeguards, SOC 2, or HIPAA

  • **Maintain

    client confidence**, even during disruption

For professional firms that rely on client trust and

confidentiality, continuity isn’t optional; it’s a competitive necessity.

1. Compliance Requires It

Both law and accounting firms handle sensitive financial and

personal data. Failing to protect that information can violate FTC Safeguards,

IRS guidelines, or client confidentiality agreements. A documented continuity

and recovery plan demonstrates your commitment to data security and compliance:

essential in audits and client assessments.

2. Cyber Threats Are on the Rise

Ransomware attacks and data breaches now target small firms

as often as large enterprises. Without an updated disaster recovery plan,

you could lose access to critical files or expose confidential client data,

risking both financial penalties and reputation damage.

3. Downtime Costs More Than You Think

Every hour of downtime during tax season or litigation prep

translates to lost revenue and missed deadlines. A continuity plan keeps your

team working, and your clients confident, even when systems go down.

5 Steps to Build an Effective Business Continuity Plan

Step 1: Identify Critical Functions

Start by defining what your firm can’t afford to lose.

This includes accounting software (QuickBooks, Lacerte, CCH) or legal systems

(Clio, ShareFile, document management tools). List out the data, systems, and

workflows that must stay online to serve clients and stay compliant.

Step 2: Assess Risks and Vulnerabilities

Perform a full IT risk assessment to identify

potential threats, such as data loss due to cyberattacks. Understanding your weak spots helps prioritize which systems

need redundancy or additional protection.

Step 3: Create Data Backup and Recovery Systems

Implement secure, off-site backups of your critical files,

ensuring copies are encrypted and easily recoverable. A good **disaster

recovery for accounting firms** or law offices includes:

  • Automated,

    daily cloud backups

  • Encrypted

    data storage compliant with FTC Safeguards and SOC 2

  • Regular

    restoration tests to verify backups actually work

Step 4: Establish a Communication and Response Plan

Define who does what in the event of a disruption. Identify

decision-makers, internal communication channels, and client notification

procedures. Make sure every employee knows their role in maintaining operations.

Remember, confusion is the enemy of recovery.

Step 5: Test, Review, and Update Regularly

A plan that sits on a shelf won’t help you in a crisis. Test

your plan quarterly or annually through simulations or “tabletop exercises.”

Update it whenever your systems, staff, or compliance requirements change.

A comprehensive legal continuity strategy includes:

  • **Cybersecurity

    safeguards:** MFA, EDR, and firewalls to prevent disruptions.

  • **Cloud-based

    access:** Secure, remote access to files so attorneys and CPAs can work

    from anywhere.

  • **Incident

    response procedures:** Step-by-step instructions to contain and report

    breaches in line with FTC and state regulations.

  • **Vendor

    compliance checks:** Ensuring any third-party software or storage

    provider meets your data protection standards.

Simplify Continuity with One82

For over 25 years, One82 has helped law firms and CPA

practices protect their data, stay compliant, and maintain trust, even in the

face of disruption.

Our security-first, cloud-focused approach includes:

  • Tailored

    business continuity planning and disaster recovery strategies

  • Compliance

    audits covering FTC, SOC 2, HIPAA, and PCI DSS

  • 24/7

    monitoring and threat detection

  • Seamless

    cloud solutions for secure remote access

We understand your industry’s high-stakes environment, your

deadlines, and your software, and we build IT systems that never let you down

when it matters most.

Protect Your Clients. Protect Your Reputation.

Disasters are inevitable but downtime doesn’t have to be.

Click Here or give us a call at 408-335-0353 to Book a FREE Discovery Call

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key components of a business continuity plan?

A strong business continuity plan typically includes identifying critical functions, assessing risks, developing recovery strategies, testing the plan, and training staff. Each component plays a crucial role in ensuring that your business can maintain operations during disruptions and protect client data.

How can I assess risks for my firm’s continuity plan?

To assess risks, conduct a thorough evaluation of potential threats that could impact your operations. This might involve analyzing historical incidents, identifying vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure, and considering external factors such as natural disasters or cyberattacks.

Why is a business continuity plan necessary for law and CPA firms?

For law and CPA firms, a business continuity plan is essential because it safeguards sensitive client information and ensures compliance with regulations. It also helps maintain client trust and minimizes revenue loss during unexpected disruptions, making it a vital aspect of operational resilience.

How can One82 assist with creating a business continuity plan for my firm?

One82 specializes in managed IT and cybersecurity services tailored for CPA and legal firms. They can help you develop a comprehensive business continuity plan that includes risk assessments, data protection strategies, and ongoing support to ensure your firm remains operational during any disruption.