THE COMPLIANCE OBJECTIVE: WHY vLEX INITIATED FORMAL AUDITS

As vLex expanded its global footprint and client base, leadership identified the need for a structured and verifiable information security management framework aligned with internationally recognized standards.

vLex’s nature of operating across multiple jurisdictions introduced regulatory complexity, contractual needs, and varying client assurance requirements. In response, they defined a compliance objective focused on audit credibility, consistency, and scalability.

The primary business drivers are:

• To demonstrate independent validation of information security controls through ISO 27001:2022 and SOC 2 audits.
• To establish consistent governance, risk management, and control practices across 15 entities.
• To meet regional data protection obligations and client-driven security requirements.
• To stay in line with vendor risk management programs that require third-party certification evidence.
• To create a sustainable framework for ongoing compliance maintenance as operations continue to scale.

Therefore, to support these objectives, vLex engaged CertPro to lead the ISO 27001:2022 audit and certification across 15 entities and the SOC 2 audit for one entity, using a standard approach.

KEY AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE CHALLENGES

Before initiating certification activities, vLex faced several audit-related and operational challenges tied to its global and multi-entity structure.

Key challenges included:

• Multi-Entity Coordination: Fifteen entities operated across different regions with varying regulatory requirements, operational models, and data handling practices. Achieving uniform audit readiness while respecting local differences required centralized coordination.
• Framework Alignment: ISO 27001:2022 and SOC 2 share common information security principles but differ in control structure, evidence expectations, and reporting formats. Mapping both frameworks without duplication or inconsistency required detailed control alignment.
• Timeline Management: vLex targeted certification within fixed timelines driven by client and business commitments. Audit preparation had to progress without disrupting daily legal research and platform operations.

These challenges required a structured, audit-focused approach with clear accountability and consolidated efforts.

CERTPRO’S AUDIT-FIRST METHODOLOGY

CertPro partnered with vLex to execute ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and SOC 2 engagements with a clear audit-first mindset. The focus remained on evidence integrity, control relevance, and consistency across vLex’s global operating model. The approach emphasized discipline, transparency, and decision-ready outcomes rather than procedural formality.

Scope Definition: CertPro worked closely with vLex’s top management and clients to set clear limits and boundaries on the audit. Accordingly, the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 audit covered fifteen entities, while the SOC 2 audit focused on one operational entity, ensuring alignment with business priorities and system relevance. This phase established clarity on responsibilities, in-scope systems, and audit expectations across all participating teams.

Evidence Review and Validation: CertPro conducted a detailed review of policies, procedures, and supporting control evidence. The audit focused on review of control design, operational execution, and traceability against ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and SOC 2 requirements. Evidence was evaluated for consistency across entities, completeness of excecution, and alignment with documented practices. This step ensured that audit conclusions were grounded in verifiable and repeatable control execution.

Performance Review and Clarification: Following evidence validation, CertPro identified areas requiring refinement and confirmed areas of conformance. Findings were reviewed directly with vLex’s management team. Each observation was supported with practical guidance focused on strengthening execution, improving consistency, and closing audit-relevant gaps without introducing unnecessary operational overhead.

Audit Reporting and Final Review: CertPro prepared comprehensive audit reports that consolidated control coverage, mapped evidence, and audit outcomes. Our reports reflected a clear view of system maturity, audit conclusions, and remediation status.

Certification and Ongoing Support: vLex successfully achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification across fifteen entities and obtained SOC 2 attestation for the designated operational entity. The results confirmed the effectiveness of vLex’s information security governance and control posture in line with industry best practices.

AUDIT OUTCOME AND OPERATIONAL IMPACT

Our collaboration delivered measurable audit and governance outcomes.

Key results included:

• Successful Certification: ISO 27001:2022 certification achieved across 15 entities and SOC 2 attestation completed for one operational entity within planned timelines.
• Reduced Audit and Operational Risk: Clear accountability and defined processes reduced control gaps and unmanaged deviations.
• Improved Audit Readiness: The established framework continues to support future surveillance audits.
• Boosted Stakeholder Confidence: Independent certification reinforced trust among clients, partners, and regulators.

CONCLUSION: FORMALIZING GLOBAL SECURITY THROUGH AUDIT DISCIPLINE

By completing ISO 27001:2022 certification across 15 entities and SOC 2 compliance for a core entity, vLex established a consistent and auditable information security governance structure across its global operations.

The collaboration reflects a disciplined audit-first approach focused on control effectiveness, evidence integrity, and scalable compliance practices.

CertPro supported vLex through independent validation and coordinated execution, delivering certification without operational disruption.

For organizations managing sensitive data across multiple jurisdictions, this case demonstrates how a structured audit program can support governance consistency, regulatory alignment, and long-term operational resilience when executed with an experienced audit partner.