Press Release
Winston & Strawn Launches Global Privacy & Data Security Task Force
Press Release
Winston & Strawn Launches Global Privacy & Data Security Task Force
September 25, 2017
CHICAGO – Winston & Strawn LLP is pleased to announce the formation of the firm’s Global Privacy and Data Security Task Force. Coordinated and led by Partners Sheryl Falk, Steve Grimes, and Rob Newman, and in collaboration with attorneys and practice leaders across the firm, the Task Force will leverage Winston’s resources to provide clients with a complete privacy solution and best-in-class service for securing data, minimizing exposure, mitigating business and reputational risks, and responding to data incidents and litigation efficiently.
“While our privacy practice rivals the best in class, it is the manner in which we dispense this experience that sets us apart from other firms,” said Tom Fitzgerald, Winston’s chair. “The integrated Task Force team we’ve established spans multiple disciplines that will not only meet, but also anticipate, our clients’ needs in this rapidly evolving area.”
“Data protection and privacy issues vary widely. Our cross-practice Task Force includes lawyers with specific experience in matters that present unique data security and privacy considerations,” added Steve D’Amore, co-chair of the firm’s Litigation Department. “By working collaboratively across practices, our Task Force will offer one-stop shopping for all of our clients’ privacy, data security, and data protection needs.”
The integrated Global Privacy and Data Security Task Force will handle theft of confidential information and trade secrets; incident response and forensic investigations; telemarketing compliance and TCPA litigation; privacy due diligence in corporate transactions; workplace privacy; financial privacy; health care privacy and HIPAA compliance; internet-based advertising, tracking, and targeting; and privacy and data security litigation.
In addition to work within the U.S., the Task Force will provide guidance on navigating the rapidly shifting regulatory and legislative landscape outside of the U.S. (e.g., GDPR and APEC) that pose increased risks to both our non-U.S. clients and U.S. clients doing business abroad.
Key members of the Task Force include:
- Sheryl Falk, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and a nationally recognized thought leader in domestic and international data security, cyber response, and trade secret investigations and litigation.
- Steve Grimes, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney who recently rejoined Winston after serving as Chief Compliance Officer for a global Fortune 500 company, where he led incident response teams and the company’s privacy function.
- Rob Newman, a partner who brings years of experience advising clients on cutting edge ecommerce and consumer data use matters, privacy assessments, and due diligence in connection with corporate transactions and data incident response.
- John Rosenthal, an industry recognized leader in the field of international privacy and cross-border movement of data—John participates in Working Group 6 of the Sedona Conference International Electronic Information Management, Discovery and Disclosure (focusing on international issues relating to disclosure, cross-border discovery, and privacy) and Working Group 11 on Data Security and Privacy.
- Peter Crowther, head of our London and Brussels offices, whose extensive EU investigations experience includes EU data protection regulation, cross-border data transfer issues, and security issues.
- Nikki Bhargava, who regularly advises clients on privacy compliance matters in connection with the collection and use of consumer data for advertising and marketing purposes.