Quinn Emanuel and McDermott law firms disclose data breaches

Prominent U.S. law firms Quinn Emanuel and McDermott have disclosed recent data breaches, notifying law enforcement of the incidents. Both breaches were reportedly linked to social engineering attacks targeting single user accounts.

Quinn Emanuel confirmed that an unauthorized third party gained access to files via a compromised account on August 14. The breach included documents related to the short seller Muddy Waters, which the firm had obtained during a lawsuit in Florida. Quinn Emanuel stated that the incident involved a limited number of client documents and that there is no ongoing unauthorized access to its systems.

McDermott reported that its breach involved the exposure of sensitive data, including Social Security numbers and health information among firm files. While both firms have confirmed the incidents, it remains unclear if the two breaches are related or if a specific actor is responsible.