THIS INVESTIGATION IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS.
If You Got Notice of the
Smith Hawks data breach
STATUS: This investigation is no longer accepting new clients.
We are investigating data breach class action lawsuit claims relating to the Smith Hawks data breach—an event which exposed the private data of countless individuals. If you interacted with Smith Hawks, your information was probably taken by cybercriminals. That’s serious. They can take out credit cards in your name, get your tax return, take your identity and ruin your credit. If you were notified by Smith Hawks of this data breach, contact us fast. We can help.
About Smith Hawks
Cole & Van Note is investigating Smith Hawks, a Key West-based law firm specializing in complex property tax protests, real estate transactions, and land use litigation. The firm is headquartered in Key West, Florida and provides legal services that involve maintaining sensitive client and case-related information. [1]
On February 16, 2026, Smith Hawks began reporting a data breach involving unauthorized access to its systems. According to information submitted to state regulators, the incident exposed sensitive personal information belonging to individuals associated with the firm. The circumstances surrounding the breach raise concerns about how access to systems containing confidential legal and financial data was obtained and whether the exposure extended beyond a limited set of records. [2]
While the full scope of the incident continues to be evaluated, public reporting indicates that the breach involved highly sensitive personal and financial information. The compromised data may include a combination of identifying, financial, and government-issued information, including:
• Names
• Social Security Numbers
• Financial Account Information
• Driver’s License Information
Incidents involving this level of data exposure are particularly serious, as they can significantly increase the risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and other misuse of personal information. Law firms often maintain extensive confidential client records, making breaches of this nature especially concerning. Individuals affected by this incident should remain vigilant and monitor their financial accounts, credit reports, and personal information for any suspicious activity. [2][3]
Considering the potential number of individuals impacted by this event, Cole & Van Note’s data breach attorneys are actively investigating the incident and evaluating legal options on behalf of those affected. If you received a notice from Smith Hawks stating that your personal information may have been involved in this breach, you may be entitled to take legal action.
Once you contact us...
- Review Your Breach Notice: Send us the Notice and then keep a copy for your records.
- Enroll in Credit Monitoring: Take advantage of any free services offered.
- Update Passwords: Change passwords and security questions for online accounts.
- Monitor Accounts: Regularly check statements and credit reports for signs of fraud.
- Request a Fraud Alert: Contact credit bureaus to add a temporary alert to your credit file.
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Join the Case
About Smith Hawks
Cole & Van Note is investigating Smith Hawks, a Key West-based law firm specializing in complex property tax protests, real estate transactions, and land use litigation. The firm is headquartered in Key West, Florida and provides legal services that involve maintaining sensitive client and case-related information. [1]
On February 16, 2026, Smith Hawks began reporting a data breach involving unauthorized access to its systems. According to information submitted to state regulators, the incident exposed sensitive personal information belonging to individuals associated with the firm. The circumstances surrounding the breach raise concerns about how access to systems containing confidential legal and financial data was obtained and whether the exposure extended beyond a limited set of records. [2]
While the full scope of the incident continues to be evaluated, public reporting indicates that the breach involved highly sensitive personal and financial information. The compromised data may include a combination of identifying, financial, and government-issued information, including:
• Names
• Social Security Numbers
• Financial Account Information
• Driver’s License Information
Incidents involving this level of data exposure are particularly serious, as they can significantly increase the risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and other misuse of personal information. Law firms often maintain extensive confidential client records, making breaches of this nature especially concerning. Individuals affected by this incident should remain vigilant and monitor their financial accounts, credit reports, and personal information for any suspicious activity. [2][3]
Considering the potential number of individuals impacted by this event, Cole & Van Note’s data breach attorneys are actively investigating the incident and evaluating legal options on behalf of those affected. If you received a notice from Smith Hawks stating that your personal information may have been involved in this breach, you may be entitled to take legal action.
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With over 30 years of experience, our firm has represented millions of clients in data breach cases getting big settlements and protecting their personal information.
- No Fee: We don’t charge you. The other side pays us if we win.
- Aggressive Representation.
- Client-Centered Approach: We're always available to assist you.
- Privacy Assurance: The information you provide us is 100% secure.
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How Data Breaches Occur
Data breaches happen in various ways. Common methods include:
- Phishing Attacks: Deceptive emails which trick authorized users into providing sensitive information like passwords to criminals.
- Malware: Malicious software, such as viruses or ransomware, is used to infiltrate systems and steal or encrypt data.
- Weak Passwords: Using easily guessable or outdated passwords make it easy for hackers to gain access.
- Unpatched Vulnerabilities: Failing to update software can leave known security gaps that attackers can exploit.
- Insider Threats: Employees or contractors with access to sensitive data may compromise security.
- Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information.
- Data/Device Theft: Physical theft of devices, such as laptops or external drives, which grant access.
Why Companies Need to be Held Liable
Corporations will tell you they are the “victims” in data breaches. Not so. Those who suffer after a data breach are those who have lost their privacy, their money, their peace of mind. When inadequate cybersecurity measures have led to a data breach, the law says you can sue for money damages under many theories, such as:
- Negligence;
- Breach of Implied or Express Contract;
- Breach of the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing;
- State law claims such as the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 56, et seq.), California Consumer Legal Remedies Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1750, et seq.), California Information Practices Act of 1977 (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1798, et seq.), California Consumer Records Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1798.80, et seq.) and California’s Unfair Competition Law (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17200, et seq.)
- Fair Credit Reporting Act.
How Data Breaches Occur
Data breaches happen in various ways. Here’s a general overview of common methods:
- Phishing Attacks: Deceptive emails which trick authorized users into providing sensitive information like passwords to criminals.
- Malware: Malicious software, such as viruses or ransomware, is used to infiltrate systems and steal or encrypt data.
- Weak Passwords: Using easily guessable or outdated passwords make it easy for hackers to gain access.
- Unpatched Vulnerabilities: Failing to update software can leave known security gaps that attackers can exploit.
- Insider Threats: Employees or contractors with access to sensitive data may compromise security.
- Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information.
- Data/Device Theft: Physical theft of devices, such as laptops or external drives, which grant access.
Why Companies Need To Be Held Liable
Corporations will tell you they are the “victims” in data breaches. Not so. Those who suffer after a data breach are those who have lost their privacy, their money, their peace of mind. When inadequate cybersecurity measures have led to a data breach, the law says you can sue for money damages under many theories, such as:
- Negligence;
- Breach of Implied or Express Contract;
- Breach of the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing;
- State law claims such as the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 56, et seq.), California Consumer Legal Remedies Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1750, et seq.), California Information Practices Act of 1977 (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1798, et seq.), California Consumer Records Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1798.80, et seq.) and California’s Unfair Competition Law (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17200, et seq.)
- Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Final Thoughts
People don’t take data breaches as seriously as they should. But you should. As such, for more details and updates about data breaches, visit our Data Breach Law page. But please don’t wait until your information is sold or used to get informed or to call us.
Thereafter, check out additional resources such as our Hacker Checker, the HIPAA Journal and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If you’re still interested, let us direct you to the information you need.
Finally, don’t forget about us if you experience issues relating to data breaches, false advertising/consumer fraud and product liability/defective products claims. Whether you’re confident you have a claim, want fast compensation or just want some friendly advice, it is worth your time to talk with us. Our staff is approachable, knowledgeable and can work with you, free of charge, to meet your unique needs.
Final Thoughts
For more details and updates about data breaches, visit our Data Breach Law page. People don’t take data breaches as seriously as they should. Don’t wait until your information is sold or used to make a phone call.
Additional resources include our Hacker Checker, the HIPAA Journal and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Let us direct you to the information you need.
Finally, don’t forget about us if you experience issues relating to data breaches, false advertising or consumer fraud and product liability/defective products claims. Whether you’re confident you have a claim, want fast compensation or just want some friendly advice, it is worth your time to talk with us. Our staff is approachable, knowledgeable and can work with you, free of charge, to meet your unique needs.