Cyber risks are skyrocketing. A recent IBM breach report revealed that 83% of organizations experienced more than one data breach in 2022. The severity of the situation continues to be evident in 2023 with the public disclosure of at least 310 cyber incidents in the first quarter of the year alone.

Flooding continues to be one of the most significant risks property owners face. According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), 90% of all U.S. natural disasters involve flooding (source 1). Many people assume that only those who live in coastal areas or near bodies of water are vulnerable to flooding, but that’s not actually the case. In fact, 98% of counties in the United States have been impacted by flooding at some point (source 2).

You might assume owning a bar would be all fun and games, but bars, concert venues, and other businesses in various locations across the U.S. are finding that’s not the case. Many have been forced to close their doors as the cost of liquor liability coverage rises. The price of liability insurance, including liquor liability, has been rising steadily across the country. A recent Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers survey found that in the fourth quarter of 2021 alone, medium-size businesses saw an average insurance premium increase of 10.6%; small businesses saw an average 6.3% percent rise with increases attributed to economic inflation, social inflation of jury awards, and other factors (source 2). The liquor liability market likely would have hit rocky ground sooner, but the pandemic slowed most businesses down and court cases ground to a halt. Now that courtrooms have returned to normal operations, drunk driving lawsuits are hitting with increased frequency and severity, which drives up insurance costs.

While the summer sun is shining, only remnants of California’s three-year drought remain after a winter of massive storms. As of early April, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported that areas of drought covered less than 9% of the Golden State, a sharp fall from more than 99% as of October 1, 2022. Into May, the state remained roughly 92% drought-free after months of rain and snow. California’s winter was marked by multiple atmospheric rivers that dumped vast amounts of rain and blanketed mountains with an extraordinary level of snowpack. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is a 50% - 60% chance weather in central and Northern California will be wetter than usual.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by law firms has recently become a hot topic of discussion. Definitive answers regarding the appropriateness of its use remain elusive. While technology evolves quickly and the conversation may change over time, it’s important to consider the potential issues around the use of generative AI. Currently, discussion with various law firms indicate that many firms are working to develop internal policies regarding the use of AI. Some have shared that they’re trying to get out ahead of the issue even as many lawyers are likely already utilizing AI. If so, policies are likely needed in relatively short order.