The Cactus Quarterly Newsletter - 3rd Quarter 2025

President's Report

Q3 Reflections: A Personal Note from the President

Can you believe we’re already in the third quarter of 2025? Pumpkin Spice season has arrived, and—like many of you—I find myself wondering where the time has gone. This year, last year, and even the few before that seem to have passed in the blink of an eye. Life and work are moving at warp speed, and I often feel like I’m in a constant cycle of catching up. Fires flare and get put out—sometimes just barely. Events come and go. Teams and work priorities shift. Policies evolve or get forgotten. And somewhere between the laundry and the lingering to-do list at home, the catch ups with friends and family are left unscheduled even with the best of intentions.

There’s a phrase I’ve been thinking about a lot lately: “The days are long, but the years are short.” It hits home. Professionally, I’m growing and learning while also trying to chart a path for my future. Personally, my family fills me with joy—even if our life leans more towards chaotic than calm. I’m still finding time for the things I love—traveling, experimenting with baking, and sipping my favorite $10 Trader Joe’s wine. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a sense of unease at times… that maybe I can’t do it all.

I’m not checking all the boxes. I haven’t accomplished everything I set out to do this year with the Arizona Chapter—even with eight months of my presidency left. I’m working at home and answering emails when I should be snuggled up with my spirited three-year-old. And if I’m honest with myself, I worry I’m toeing the line of burnout.

That’s why this year’s Business of Law Expo, taking place on August 22, 2025, is particularly meaningful to me. It’s more than just our chapter’s signature event. It’s a moment for us to slow down and reconnect—with each other, with our business partners (who are essential to our operations), and with ourselves. This year’s speakers will address something we all face but rarely talk about or wish to acknowledge — burnout.  Garrett Brill and Ramsey Bergeron will be with us to discuss mindset, navigating challenges with confidence, and how to build a more sustainable version of success.

If you’re feeling the pressure, the imbalance, or the fatigue, please join us. These discussions are timely, honest, and deeply relevant.
In addition to the Expo, our chapter calendar is full of opportunities to engage, learn, and give back:

For full details, visit our website.

To our members and business partners: thank you. I appreciate all you do and look forward to connecting at our upcoming events. Here's to navigating Q3—together.

Back to top

Pacific Office Automation

POA “Problem Solved”

Pacific Office Automation is dedicated to the belief that a team of individuals who constantly challenge each other will develop the skills and manpower necessary to solve any problem, whether it’s for the customer, the company, or the community.

At Pacific Office Automation, our motto is: “Problem Solved.” That means providing custom office solutions that are fast, efficient and secure. The result: a connected and highly productive office that functions at top efficiency, whether it’s a one-person shop that wants document management advice or a Fortune 500 company concerned with network security.

We can guide you to find the right solutions for your office or organizational needs. Pacific Office Automation is available all day, every day for the Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale, AZ areas. With top-of-line products from brands like Konica Minolta, Sharp, or Canon, we are here to help with your perfect office solution. Contact us today to improve your workflow with a free consultation.

Let POA handle the logistics of tracking your printer network.

At Pacific Office Automation, we offer custom managed printer services so our customers can focus on their core business. We monitor equipment, collect data, and streamline document management for both small businesses and large organizations with thousands of printers, copiers, scanners and fax machines across multiple locations. Our printer management services will ensure your staff has more time to focus on their tasks and responsibilities, while we focus on tracking and controlling your printing so your business can run efficiently.

Average printing costs can add up to 5%-10% of your total revenue. If unmanaged, these costs can easily spin out of control. At Pacific Office, we believe that an office assessment is the first step to reduce your overhead cost and improve workflow management. With our sophisticated equipment monitoring and analytical reporting, we analyze an organization’s printing activities and provide ongoing analyses, even as your business develops and grows.

With our real-time monitoring, Pacific Office can quickly prevent printing problems from slowing down your office workflow. We know equipment malfunction can cost you time and money, which is why we guarantee a technician will be on-site within 4 hours or less. On average, our office equipment technicians can bring machines back online within one hour! We carry all our original manufacturer parts and supplies in 175,000 square feet of warehouse space across six states, giving us a lightning-fast turnaround time.

IT management, better.

You can rest easy when you outsource the management of your information technology (IT) services to Pacific Office. We offer comprehensive IT services for offices of any size. From an ongoing help desk and onsite support, to cloud-based disaster backup, to servicing IT hardware, POA is your one-stop shop for your business’ IT needs.

We believe lost network time is lost money. That’s why we provide 24/7 IT monitoring to stop problems before they happen. With our team of over 125 IT and network technicians, we'll handle your IT systems while you handle your business. Our selection of IT hardware, such as servers, monitors, workstations, and more, from top brands like HP and Dell will ensure your entire business technology system is reliable.

We'll work with you to create a custom support package that fits your needs, encompassing everything from setting up workstations, to managing email and securely storing data, to improving communications with integrated phone service systems by POA. We'll provide reporting and data to help you streamline your systems, and we'll be there for those day-to-day problems: lost passwords, network troubleshooting, software updates, and more. No need to worry about upgrades and maintenance — Pacific Office Automation will take care of all that behind the scenes.

No one's more concerned than you are about your data's security, except for us. We offer secure data security management with 24/7 backup monitoring, ensuring you'll never experience a data breach or information loss. The highest standard spam and virus protection keeps your sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

Protect your most valuable assets with data security.

Pacific Office Automation’s top cybersecurity partner is Arctic Wolf. Together, POA and Arctic Wolf are helping to reduce risk, increase cyber resiliency and assist in managing Cyber Insurance Premium costs for law firms. Arctic Wolf has unique expertise helping to improve internal security operations for legal industry organizations and support 300+ firms worldwide.
 
Arctic Wolf is the leader in the Security Operations space, taking a unique approach via dedicated, named security experts assigned to each of our customers to support both operational and strategic initiatives. Arctic Wolf helps to secure our customers by offering:

Phone Services Solutions

Integrate your business communications onto one, reliable network with Pacific Office Automation’s large and small business phone services. While you focus on running your business, we will monitor your cloud-based phone system and provide industry-leading technical support to help ensure a reliable connection between your employees and customers.

If you prefer an on-premise network, we carry industry-leading communication products by Mitel to get your business connected.

Mobile device integration with screen sharing and conference calling allows your staff to connect anytime, anywhere—making it easier than ever to collaborate and share ideas. Give your employees, customers, and business partners the reliable communications they deserve with unified communications services from Pacific Office Automation.

Back to top

First Legal

First Legal is the first comprehensive File Thru Trial™ solutions firm providing a single-source approach that enables us to simplify the litigation process for our clients. Our culture of innovation, trust, quality service, and depth of industry knowledge makes us uniquely qualified to bring relevant and timely solutions. Our suite of services, including court filing, eFiling, service of process, court reporting, eDiscovery, record retrieval, digital, and investigations, work together to ensure a personalized and effortless client experience.

First Legal’s Suite of Services 

Court & Process
First Legal’s experienced team is committed to providing consistent, high-quality service no matter the assignment. We are the premiere destination for eFiling, In-Person Court Filings, Service of Process, Research, and more.

Depositions
First Legal Depositions has the resources to help you schedule your deposition anytime and anywhere. Let our experienced team take the stress off your plate with customized solutions for your in-person, remote depositions, arbitrations, and trials.

eDiscovery
At First Legal, we don't just offer eDiscovery services; we become an invaluable extension of your legal team. Our unwavering commitment is to harness the power of technology in a manner that ensures the defensible management of your cases. We understand that every legal project is unique, and the success of your eDiscovery initiatives hinges on finding the perfect technological fit.

Records
First Legal Records simplifies the process of obtaining records for your legal case. Whether the matter is civil, federal, or workers’ compensation, we can prepare the necessary documentation and take the entire process out of your hands.

Digital               
At First Legal Digital, we pride ourselves on our best-in-class customer service, so you can relax knowing experts are preparing your legal documents they way you want, when you want it. From document printing and scanning, trial and exhibit binder production, document depository, or document shredding, we’re here for all of your digital solutions!

Investigations
First Legal Investigations is a full-service, licensed detective agency staffed by experienced professionals. We provide services to the legal industry, insurance industry, municipalities, corporate clients, and private individuals. From skiptracing to highly specialized investigations, we are discreet, professional, and deliver real-time evidence you can use.

With fast response times and unwavering dedication to success, we lead clients effortlessly through the litigation cycle with Best-in-Class people, technology, and fulfillment services at a fair price. 

We look forward to finding solutions to your litigation process challenges – reach out and let’s discuss how we can help!

Back to top

Total Networks

Avoiding Cryptocurrency Scams

By: Dave Kinsey

On July 18, 2025, the United States enacted the “Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U. S. Stablecoins Act” (GENIUS Act). This law seeks to create a new framework for digital payments. While stablecoins are promoted by people invested in cryptocurrencies, the law itself calls for the creation of something fundamentally different than cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. So, for the purpose of this article, when I use the word “cryptocurrency” I mean things like Bitcoin only, and not stablecoins. The law takes effect January 2027 or 120 days after regulators issue detailed regulations, whichever comes first. It attempts to establish certain consumer protections for stablecoins only which may or may not prove effective, only time will tell.

If you make speculative investments in cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, you may potentially make may make or lose money – that’s how investments work. But, if someone suggests that you should buy some stablecoin, it’s likely a scam. Stablecoins are not supposed to fluctuate in value, so the best you should hope for is to get your money back, though you can easily lose it all. Several months ago, I was approached by a man staring at a screen displaying several hundred thousand dollars’ worth of “value” in a worthless stablecoin. I was unable to help – his money was gone. Expect this if anything goes wrong in cryptocurrency dealings.

Cryptocurrency was created to establish a financial system outside the control of all governments. Law enforcement is supposed to be impossible by design since the users performing financial transactions can choose to be anonymous. This created a global commerce system free of all stifling regulations. Who among us hasn’t been frustrated with a seemingly endless list of laws that often appears to make no sense? There are some unfortunate downsides, however, including the exponential increase in global cybercrime. Cryptocurrency made ransomware possible by providing a means to extort payment from cyberattacks without fear of law enforcement following the money and arresting bad actors. One man’s wonderful freedom from stifling regulations is another man’s global crime organization powered by cryptocurrency.

Some governments have tried to fight back against this middle finger to all law enforcement. China aggressively attempted to shut it down for years. They closed all exchanges in 2018 and then made the technology completely illegal in 2021. This appears to have reduced the ability to use it evade Chinese law enforcement. This is a government that is far more restrictive than the United States. China is arguably one of the places where cryptocurrency might have had one of the largest potential societal benefits increasing freedom from government control. Unfortunately, it’s one of the places where the government fought back the hardest. In the words of Tim May, the “father” of the cryptocurrency movement, a founding objective was ”collapse of governments.” His hope was that if governments cannot enforce laws, they become irrelevant and collapse. Cryptocurrency is arguably one of the most useful tools on earth to help overthrow governments, if you’re into that kind of thing. So, China’s response is predictable.

Setting aside governmental responses to the opportunities and risks, let’s ensure that you are doing your part to keep your money safe. There are at least limited protections in places where dollars and cryptocurrency are exchanged. So, if you choose to invest, direct cryptocurrency purchases or crypto ETFs through brokerages is probably your best bet. You might also consider Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange. Of course, cryptocurrencies (not stablecoins) are speculative investments. So even with your broker or Coinbase – caveat emptor. If a friend (or, heaven forbid, someone on social media) approaches you with a crypto investment idea, just say no!

Are you trying to understand what this means for the future? Join the club! Several years ago, I was asked by a friend at the State Bar of Arizona to write an article explaining blockchain technology to lawyers. This led to writing a whole cautionary book about blockchain and cryptocurrency. While I understand the technology better than most cryptocurrency investors, nobody truly knows where this is all going to end up. If you have questions, email me at [email protected] and I’d be happy discuss.

Back to top

All Covered

The Big Shift: From IT Support to Cyber Resilience

The world of IT services has seen a significant transformation in the past few decades, especially with the shift from on-premises infrastructure to cloud-based systems. Managed IT services, which began gaining traction in the 1990s and 2000s, were traditionally focused on maintaining physical servers, networks, and devices on-site. However, as businesses increasingly move to the cloud, and the risk of cyber threats continue to grow, this traditional model no longer cuts it when it comes to cybersecurity and cyber resilience.

The integration of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) offers a more holistic approach to both IT infrastructure and cybersecurity. This transition is crucial because the castle-and-moat security architecture, which once kept all data and applications behind firewalls and physical barriers, is no longer effective. With employees working remotely and data stored in the cloud, businesses must adopt a more flexible, secure, and resilient model to keep their systems safe from cybercriminals.

The Ransomware Epidemic: A Growing Threat to Cyber Resilience

Ransomware attacks are on the rise, and cybercriminals are increasingly using sophisticated techniques to breach networks and encrypt data. The growing number of ransomware groups, including notorious names like Ryceda, Medusa, and Hellcat, highlights the scale and ubiquity of the problem.

Ransomware alone generates a staggering $1 billion annually for cybercriminals. And the consequences for businesses are severe. For example, the Seattle Library spent $1 million to recover from a ransomware attack that affected 27,000 people.

A significant portion of these attacks begins with phishing—more than 90% of cyberattacks are initiated this way. Cybercriminals gather open-source intelligence (OSINT) through platforms like social media to create convincing phishing campaigns, and they’re using sophisticated tools to do it. These attacks are no longer limited to the stereotypical Nigerian prince emails; today, attackers are leveraging real brand names to dupe victims into clicking deceptive links, exposing them to malware and ransomware.

Ransomware as a Service (RaaS): A Game-Changer for Cybercriminals

The rise of Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) has lowered the barriers for cybercriminals seeking vulnerabilities, enabling even those with minimal technical knowledge to launch sophisticated attacks. RaaS platforms allow "affiliates" to buy access to ransomware tools and deploy them against their targets. Once access is gained, these affiliates can encrypt systems and exfiltrate sensitive data, often demanding significant ransom payments.

One particularly alarming example comes from a ransomware attack on a small law firm with just 12 employees. The firm was targeted by a Russian-linked group, PlayCrypt, and held hostage for a ransom of $5 million. Despite being a small business, the law firm was considered a valuable target due to the sensitive nature of their client data. Fortunately, they did not pay the ransom, but they did suffer around $250,000 in damages, including lost productivity, reputation damage, and consulting fees.

Protecting Your Business: What Can You Do to Improve Cyber Resilience?

As ransomware attacks become a larger problem, it’s clear that no business is too small to be targeted. The key to defending against these threats is adopting a well-rounded approach to cyber resilience. Here are a few strategies to strengthen your defense:

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Cyber Resiliency?

As cybercriminals continue to refine their tactics and tools, businesses must stay ahead of the curve. Ransomware will continue to evolve, and as long as it remains a profitable endeavor, the attacks will keep coming. However, businesses that take proactive steps to adopt a zero-trust security model, integrate modern IT and security practices, and stay vigilant will be better equipped to defend against these growing threats.

The key takeaway is that cybersecurity should no longer be an afterthought—it should be integrated into your entire IT strategy. The landscape is changing rapidly, and SMBs need to prioritize cyber resiliency to ensure they can withstand the ever-growing threat of cyberattacks.

By partnering with a trusted MSP and adopting modern cybersecurity strategies, you can protect your organization’s data, reputation, and bottom line. The time to act is now—don't wait until it's too late. Reach out to All Covered for a free consultation to get started.

Back to top

IMA (Riskpoint Insurance)

Data Breach Response Plans: Are You Legally Covered?

A data breach isn’t a question of if—it’s when. For law firms, the consequences can be especially devastating: compromised client data, privilege violations, reputational fallout, and potential regulatory scrutiny. Having a solid breach response plan is a must. But here’s the critical question: Does your insurance actually back it up?

For managing partners and firm leadership, knowing how your insurance policies align with your breach response protocols can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a drawn-out legal and financial nightmare.

Why Law Firms Must Treat Breach Response Seriously

Law firms store and transmit incredibly sensitive information. A breach can affect:

Beyond the obvious fallout with clients, breaches can lead to ethics complaints, malpractice claims, or even lawsuits from third parties. In many jurisdictions, attorneys have affirmative obligations to notify affected parties and take steps to protect client confidentiality.

What a Data Breach Response Plan Should Include

But even the best plan can fall apart without the proper insurance behind it.

Insurance Coverage Pitfalls: What Firms Overlook

You might assume your cyber liability or E&O policy will automatically step in after a breach—but that’s not always the case. Common gaps include:

Also important: Some firms rely on general liability or E&O policies for cyber events, only to find out that those policies exclude or severely limit cyber coverage.

Key Coverages to Look For in Your Policy

To ensure your response plan is supported by your insurance, look for policies that include:

Also consider the deductible timing—some carriers allow incident response services without applying the deductible upfront, which can be crucial for fast action.

Leadership's Role in Breach Preparedness

It’s not enough to delegate breach response planning to IT or compliance teams. Decision-makers should:

The intersection of ethics, technology, and liability means law firm leadership must be actively engaged in preparing for cyber incidents.

Is your breach plan backed by the right insurance?

At IMA, we help law firms align breach response planning with tailored insurance solutions—so your response is fast, compliant, and fully covered. Contact us today for a cyber risk review or to explore incident response enhancements.

Back to top

2025 Business of Law Conference & Expo

The 2025 Business of Law Conference & Expo is almost here!

📅 August 22, 2025 | 🕗 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Desert Willow Conference Center | 4340 E Cotton Center Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85040

Join legal management professionals from across the region for a full day of connection, growth, and learning. This year’s lineup features powerhouse speakers ready to spark real change in the way we lead and work:

✨ Ramsey Bergeron – Leadership Growth Strategist and one of MSN’s Top 10 Speakers to Follow in 2025, presenting his signature talk: “Your Power is in Your Perspective”
✨ Garrett Brill – Leadership coach and founder, delivering a keynote that hits home: “Burnout to Brilliance: Cultivating Sustainable Success”

Both sessions are packed with practical insights on clarity, resilience, and sustainable leadership—tailored for today’s fast-paced legal environment.

🎟️ Register now to reserve your spot: https://lnkd.in/gBzTvDc9

Let’s grow better leaders, build stronger teams, and shape the future of legal administration - together.

Back to top