Greenberg Traurig faces two proposed class actions after a cyber incident exposed personal data.
The Greenberg Traurig cyber breach happened on August 26, 2026. The firm later reported the incident to Massachusetts officials.
According to the notice, an unauthorized person obtained a small number of files. Those files held data linked to the firm’s legal work.
Meanwhile, the lawsuits add to growing cyber risks for law firms. Legal practices hold large amounts of private data. Therefore, a breach can create legal and financial problems.
Key Takeaways
- Greenberg Traurig faces two proposed class actions.
- Both cases are pending in federal court in Manhattan.
- The lawsuits followed an August 2026 cyber incident.
- An unauthorized person obtained a limited number of files.
- The data may include Social Security numbers and birth dates.
- Greenberg Traurig says its systems were not breached.
- The lawsuits remain in their early stages.
Greenberg Traurig Faces Lawsuits
Two lawsuits now target Greenberg Traurig in federal court in Manhattan.
The first case is
Addison et al v. Greenberg Traurig. Its case number is 1:26-cv-07793-JAV.
The second case is
Hancock v. Greenberg Traurig. Its case number is 1:26-cv-08182.
Both cases followed the firm’s disclosure of the cyber incident. The complaints question how the firm protected personal data.
In particular, the
Addison complaint seeks class action status. It claims the firm failed to protect personal data.
However, these claims remain allegations. The court has not found Greenberg Traurig liable.
Lawsuits Raise Data Security Questions
The cases could bring more attention to the firm’s security practices.
For example, plaintiffs may examine how the firm stored personal data. They may also ask when the firm found the incident.
Furthermore, the lawsuits could examine the firm’s response. This may include when the firm notified affected people.
As a result, future filings may reveal more details about the incident.
What Happened in the Cyber Breach?
Greenberg Traurig’s September 8 breach notice gives more details.
The notice says an unauthorized person obtained a limited number of files on August 26.
Those files contained information tied to the firm’s legal work.
After the incident, the firm revoked unauthorized access. It also activated its response team.
In addition, Greenberg Traurig hired outside security experts. They helped investigate the incident.
The investigation later found personal data in the files. The firm then began notifying affected people.
What Personal Information Was Exposed?
The breach notice lists several types of personal data.
The data may include:
- Names
- Contact information
- Dates of birth
- Social Security numbers
Greenberg Traurig said it held this data while providing legal services.
That point matters because law firms handle private records every day. These records can include client data and financial details.
As a result, even a small incident can create privacy concerns.
Firm Says Systems Were Not Breached
Greenberg Traurig says its computer systems were not breached.
Instead, the firm said an unauthorized person obtained a limited number of documents. Some information later appeared on the dark web.
This point could matter as the lawsuits move forward.
A cyber incident does not always mean a full network breach. Still, unauthorized access can create legal and privacy concerns.
Meanwhile, Greenberg Traurig said it strengthened its security measures.
The firm also increased employee training on data security.
Credit Monitoring Offered to Affected People
Greenberg Traurig said it offered credit monitoring to affected people.
The firm also offered fraud assistance. These services can help people watch for identity theft.
Additionally, the firm advised people to check their accounts and credit reports.
However, these steps do not resolve the lawsuits. The proposed class actions will continue in federal court.
Why the Case Matters
The Greenberg Traurig lawsuits highlight a wider cyber issue for law firms.
Law firms handle sensitive data across many practice areas. Their records can include financial data, personal details, and legal documents.
Therefore, firms must protect their systems and client data.
Cybersecurity Is a Legal Business Issue
Cybersecurity now affects more than a firm’s technology team.
For example, a major incident can lead to investigations and client notices. It can also lead to regulatory filings and lawsuits.
Moreover, a breach can affect client trust.
The issue can also create career opportunities. Lawyers with privacy and cybersecurity skills can advise firms after an incident.
Similarly, litigation lawyers may handle claims after a breach. Regulatory lawyers can help firms meet reporting duties.
Law Firms Face Cyber Risks
Greenberg Traurig is not the only major firm facing cyber concerns.
Other large firms have also reported cyber incidents. For example, WilmerHale has faced class action litigation after a data breach.
However, each incident has different facts. Courts must review each case based on its own evidence.
For that reason, the Greenberg Traurig lawsuits must stand on their own facts.
Even so, the cases add to wider concerns about law firm cybersecurity.
What Happens Next?
The two proposed class actions remain in their early stages.
The
Addison case carries No. 1:26-cv-07793-JAV. The
Hancock case carries No. 1:26-cv-08182.
Both cases are pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Next, Greenberg Traurig can respond to the allegations. The court may then review the proposed classes and claims.
Future filings could reveal more about the unauthorized access.
They may also provide more details about the affected data and the firm’s response.
At this stage, however, the allegations remain unproven.
What the Case Means
The Greenberg Traurig cyber breach offers several lessons for law firms.
First, firms need strong controls for sensitive data. Access limits can reduce the risk of unauthorized disclosure.
Second, firms need clear response plans. Quick action can help identify the scope of an incident.
Third, employee training remains important. Well-trained staff can help protect private information.
Finally, firms need clear communication plans. Good notices can help affected people understand what happened.
At the same time, these needs create opportunities for lawyers. Privacy, cybersecurity, litigation, and regulatory lawyers can all play key roles after a breach.
FAQs
What happened to Greenberg Traurig?
Greenberg Traurig reported a data security incident on August 26, 2026. An unauthorized person obtained a limited number of files.
Is Greenberg Traurig facing a class action?
Yes. Greenberg Traurig faces two proposed class actions in federal court in Manhattan.
What are the Greenberg Traurig lawsuits?
The cases are
Addison et al v. Greenberg Traurig, No. 1:26-cv-07793-JAV, and
Hancock v. Greenberg Traurig, No. 1:26-cv-08182.
What information was exposed?
The firm’s breach notice identifies names, contact information, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers among the data in affected files.
Did hackers breach Greenberg Traurig’s systems?
Greenberg Traurig says its systems were not breached. Instead, an unauthorized person obtained a limited number of files.
When did the Greenberg Traurig cyber breach occur?
The firm’s breach notice states that the unauthorized access occurred on August 26, 2026.
Where were the lawsuits filed?
Both proposed class actions were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan.
What happens next?
The cases will continue through the federal court process. Future filings may provide more details about the claims and the firm’s response.
Bottom Line
The Greenberg Traurig cyber breach has led to two proposed class actions.
The firm says its systems were not breached. However, an unauthorized person obtained a limited number of files.
Meanwhile, the plaintiffs claim that the firm failed to protect sensitive information.
The cases remain at an early stage. Therefore, the allegations have not become court findings.
For the legal industry, the case shows why cybersecurity matters. Law firms handle sensitive data every day. As a result, strong data protection remains important for attorneys, clients, recruiters, and firm leaders.
Looking for your next legal job? Explore top attorney and legal jobs on LawCrossing and find opportunities that match your skills.
See Also:
California Bar Software Hit With $1.3M Payout
The post
Greenberg Traurig Hit by Class Actions After Breach first appeared on
JDJournal Blog.
