I am delighted to announce that our firm has a new data privacy and cybersecurity team, consisting of 32 attorneys in 17 cities and 12 states -- including Baltimore, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland (Oregon), and Seattle.

As you all know, data privacy and information security require experienced and responsive legal representation. The Constangy Cyber Team will provide rapid response to businesses experiencing data breaches. They also confer with and advise businesses seeking preventive advice, and assistance in complying with the ever-growing number of domestic and international data security laws. In the event that a data breach results in litigation against a business -- including class action lawsuits -- the Cyber Team along with other Constangy litigators will be well equipped to defend.

The team, which came to us from another large law firm, will be led by Sean Hoar and five vice chairs. Sean, based in Portland, Oregon, has almost 25 years of experience with data privacy and information security. Before going into private practice, he was a cyber attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, and was the lead cyber attorney for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Oregon. He has also worked with the DOJ's Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section in Washington, D.C.

The vice chairs have records that are similarly impressive. The following is a mere taste:

Richard Goldberg, based in Philadelphia, was also with the DOJ before entering private practice, and has investigated and prosecuted cyber and intellectual property crime. He's also provided assistance to the victims of those crimes, using knowledge he gained from his time as a specially trained cybercrime prosecutor.

Lindsay Nickle, based in Dallas, has experience in handling all types of data breaches, but her primary area of experience is in breaches of data that is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act. She also conducts training and workshops on data security.

Sarah Rugnetta, based in New York, advises clients on strategies to mitigate the risk associated with data privacy and security, and advises clients on the scope and applicability of domestic and international data privacy laws. She also conducts data privacy assessments, creates data privacy programs, and leads employee and executive trainings and tabletop exercises.

Allen Sattler is based in Orange County, California. Allen has managed responses to hundreds of data security incidents, and facilitates digital forensics investigations for clients who have experienced a cyber incident. He also regularly assesses consumer and regulatory notification obligations, and represents businesses in regulatory investigations pertaining to privacy and data breach notification laws.

Alyssa Watzman, in Denver, manages responses to data security incidents, and also provides clients with data privacy and information security training. She also facilitates digital forensics investigations, network restoration projects, and ransom negotiation. She regularly assesses consumer and regulatory notification obligations and helps clients with compliance.

Neil Wasser, head of our firm's Executive Committee, said, “We are delighted to welcome this amazing team of recognized leaders in the privacy and cybersecurity industry and expand our ability to serve clients in this rapidly growing and increasingly critical area for businesses.” 

More information about Constangy's Cyber Team is available here.

Welcome to Sean, Richard, Lindsay, Sarah, Allen, and Alyssa, and to your entire group!