Chapman & Associates PC Data Incident: Your Rights

If you recently received a Notice of Data Incident from Chapman and Associates, PC, you are likely worried about what this means for your personal information. Regulatory filings indicate the law firm reported a security issue involving its computer network, but public details remain limited. This page explains what is currently known, what steps you can take to protect yourself, and what legal rights you may have as a consumer or client. If you would like to explore your options, you can contact Strauss Borrelli PLLC by filling out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a potential claim.

Chapman and Associates, PC is a legal services provider based in Florida. As a law firm, it maintains client and case-related information in its files and computer systems. The organization has reported a data security incident involving its internal network in a filing with the California Attorney General.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Organization: Florida-based law firm providing legal services.
• Type of incident reported: Hacking/IT incident affecting the firm’s computer network.
• Incident timeframe: Early January 2025, according to a filing with the California Attorney General.
• Notification to individuals: Notices mailed to California residents in January 2026.
• Data involved: Specific data elements have not been publicly detailed and may have included personal information.
• Regulatory filing: Event listed on the California Attorney General’s data security breach portal.
• Systems affected: Firm’s internal network.

What Happened?

According to a public filing with the California Attorney General, the law firm reported a data security incident involving unauthorized activity within its computer network. The entry on the state portal categorizes the event as a “Hacking/IT Incident,” which generally indicates that someone outside the organization may have gained access to systems without permission.

The brief listing does not provide a full narrative of how the issue was discovered, how long systems were exposed, or what the unauthorized party may have done while connected to the network. Until a detailed written notice is publicly available, information about the investigation, any containment steps, and whether law enforcement has been involved remains limited.

Even with these gaps, any potential access to a law firm’s network is serious because such systems often store sensitive personal and case-related information. If you received a notice, you should act as though your information could be at risk and take reasonable steps to monitor and protect your accounts and identity.

What Information Was Exposed?

The California Attorney General listing does not specify which categories of personal information may have been involved in this incident. The letter sent to you should describe, at least in general terms, what the firm believes could have been affected in your situation.

Because this event involves a law firm network, the information at issue could include items such as names, contact details, dates of birth, government identification numbers, financial account details, or documents connected to legal matters; however, none of these categories has been confirmed publicly for this specific incident. You should rely on the written notice for the most accurate description of what may apply to you and keep that letter with your personal records.

What Should You Do Next?

1. Carefully review the notice. Read the entire letter you received and note what types of information it says may have been involved, any protection services offered, and any deadlines to enroll in those services.
2. Monitor your financial accounts and credit. Check bank, credit card, and other financial statements regularly for unfamiliar charges or activity. Consider obtaining your free credit reports from the major credit bureaus (for example, through AnnualCreditReport.com) and reviewing them for new accounts you do not recognize.
3. Consider a fraud alert or credit freeze. You can place a fraud alert or a security freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open new credit in your name, while a freeze generally prevents new creditors from accessing your file without your permission.
4. Be cautious about phishing attempts. If an unauthorized party obtained your information, they may use it to send convincing emails, texts, or calls pretending to be from the firm, banks, or government agencies. Do not click links or provide information unless you independently verify who is contacting you.
5. Document anything unusual. Keep copies of the notice, screenshots of suspicious activity, and any correspondence with financial institutions. Detailed records can be helpful if identity theft occurs or if you decide to pursue legal options.
6. Discuss your situation with a data privacy attorney. A lawyer can help you understand how this incident may affect you and what remedies might be available. You can contact Strauss Borrelli PLLC using the form on this page to learn whether you may qualify to participate in any investigation or potential claim.

Your Legal Rights

Privacy and data security laws generally require organizations to use reasonable safeguards to protect personal information and to notify affected residents when unencrypted data is reasonably believed to have been accessed by an unauthorized party. In California, for example, businesses must provide clear notice that explains what happened, what information may have been involved, and what is being done in response.

If your information was impacted, you may have legal rights to seek compensation for out-of-pocket expenses, time spent addressing potential fraud, and, in some circumstances, the increased risk of identity theft. Some matters are pursued as class actions when large numbers of people are affected by the same incident. Strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitation, can apply to these claims. Speaking with an attorney promptly can help you understand how these general rules might apply to your individual situation.

Why Hire Strauss Borrelli PLLC?

Strauss Borrelli PLLC focuses on representing consumers and employees in data privacy and data security cases across the country. Our attorneys have represented thousands of data breach victims in cases involving healthcare, retail, and financial services companies. We investigate incidents like this one in depth, work with technical experts to assess the risks created for our clients, and pursue compensation where the law permits.

In most of these matters, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay attorneys’ fees unless we obtain a recovery through a settlement or judgment. If you received a notice related to this incident and want to better understand your options, our team is available to review your circumstances and explain potential next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my information was involved in the Chapman and Associates PC data incident?

You are generally considered potentially affected if you received a Notice of Data Incident addressed to you from Chapman and Associates, PC. The letter should describe, in broad terms, what happened and what categories of information the firm believes may be at risk. If you are unsure whether a communication is genuine, use a phone number or website you trust (not those in a suspicious email or text) to contact the firm and confirm. Keep a copy of any notice you receive with your records.

What kinds of identity theft should I watch for after this incident?

Depending on what information was involved, risks can include new credit accounts opened in your name, unauthorized charges on existing accounts, tax refund fraud, benefits or loan applications you did not file, and targeted phishing emails or calls. Monitor your bank and credit card statements, review your credit reports, and be cautious with unexpected messages asking for personal information. If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately to the relevant institution and consider filing a report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.

Should I enroll in the free credit monitoring or identity protection offered in the notice?

If the notice offers complimentary credit monitoring or identity protection, it is usually wise to take advantage of it, as these services can alert you to certain types of suspicious activity. Before enrolling, read the terms carefully so you understand what is covered, how long the service lasts, and whether you must cancel to avoid future charges. Enrolling in such services generally does not prevent you from pursuing legal claims later, but if you have questions about the terms, consider speaking with a data privacy attorney.

Can I join a lawsuit related to the Chapman and Associates PC data incident?

Whether you can join a lawsuit depends on several factors, including where you live, what information of yours was involved, what harms you have experienced, and whether any class action cases are filed or certified. Many data security cases are brought as putative class actions, but courts must still decide who is included and what claims may proceed. An attorney can review your notice and your circumstances to advise you on potential options. Strauss Borrelli PLLC is investigating incidents like this and can discuss possible next steps in a free consultation.

Do I need to pay anything upfront to have Strauss Borrelli PLLC review my situation?

No. Strauss Borrelli PLLC typically offers free initial consultations for people affected by reported data security incidents. If the firm agrees to represent you, it is usually on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorneys’ fees are only collected if there is a recovery through a settlement or judgment. You can contact the firm using the form on this page to learn more about how this would work in your specific situation.