Melbourne, February 25, 2025 – Slater & Gordon has initiated a thorough forensic investigation” following the dissemination of a malicious email that was sent to all staff on February 21, revealing sensitive salary and performance data of over 900 employees.
The email, allegedly sent by outgoing acting chief people officer Mari Ruiz-Matthyssen, included a spreadsheet that contained not only salary details but also performance ratings and claims of dysfunction within the firm, which is one of Australia’s largest plaintiff law firms.
In response to the incident, Slater & Gordon has referred the matter to the Victoria Police and engaged the Australian Cyber Security Centre to assist in the investigation. The firm is taking the allegations seriously and is committed to ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of its employees’ information.
The email incident raises significant concerns regarding data security and the potential for internal breaches at large organizations. Slater & Gordon’s prompt action in involving law enforcement and cybersecurity experts highlights the seriousness of the situation and the firm’s dedication to protecting its staff and operations.
As the investigation unfolds, the firm is expected to implement further measures to enhance its cybersecurity protocols and prevent future incidents of this nature. The implications of this breach could have lasting effects on employee trust and the firm’s reputation in the legal industry.
In summary, Slater & Gordon’s referral of the malicious email to police underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding sensitive employee information and maintaining organizational integrity.
