Gibson Dunn Launches Information Technology and Data Privacy Practice Group

LOS ANGELES, March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is pleased to announce the formation of its new Information Technology and Data Privacy Practice Group.  

The Information Technology and Data Privacy Group formally brings together the firm's lawyers who represent leading technology and online media companies in a broad range of issues, including technology, advertising and privacy litigation.  The Group is led by Palo Alto partner Ashlie Beringer, Dallas partner M. Sean Royall, New York partner Alexander H. Southwell and Los Angeles partner Debra Wong Yang, who serve as Practice Group Chairs.

"There has been an explosion of cyber-law issues in the last several years," said Ken Doran, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson Dunn. "The creation of the Information Technology and Data Privacy Group enables us to better coordinate our efforts to meet client demand for counsel on enterprise-threatening issues that range from litigation and investigations to compliance with privacy and data security regulations."  

"Our attorneys have years of experience – in private practice and at the senior governmental level – in information technology and data privacy matters," said Debra Wong Yang, Co-Chair of the Information Technology and Data Privacy Group.  "The formation of the group was a natural extension of that experience, and we are looking forward to continuing to work closely with our clients in combating technology-related threats and challenges to their businesses."  

"The Federal Trade Commission, state attorneys general, and other government authorities, in the U.S., the European Union, and elsewhere, have shown a keen interest in data privacy and other issues arising from the growing Internet-based economy," said Practice Group Co-Chair Sean Royall.  "Our firm is extremely well positioned to represent clients in each relevant government forum where these issues are being addressed, as well as in private litigation, which is on the rise."

About the Information Technology and Data Privacy Practice Group

Gibson Dunn lawyers in the Information Technology and Data Privacy Practice Group regularly represent many leading technology and online media companies in a variety of contexts, ranging from compliance counseling to guidance on the legal implications of high-priority business actions to broad-scope representations involving regulatory scrutiny, litigation and law enforcement interest.  The Group's attorneys have not only substantive experience and advocacy skills, but also the ability to guide clients through major events, deal with all relevant constituencies, and, where needed, develop and implement a prompt and effective crisis-management strategy. 

Gibson Dunn lawyers in the United States and Europe advise on a full range of information technology and cyber-legal issues.  They include: 

• Counseling related to compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing privacy, social media, data security, online advertising, gaming and related issues
• Investigations, litigation and counseling concerning alleged computer fraud, privacy abuse, trade secrets theft, commercial e-mail violations, and data security and network breaches
• Criminal referrals and responses to regulatory inquiries
• Network security and privacy audits, Internet enforcement and compliance programs, and information security due diligence

About the Firm

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is a leading international law firm.  Consistently ranking among the world's top law firms in industry surveys and major publications, Gibson Dunn is distinctively positioned in today's global marketplace with more than 1,000 lawyers and 17 offices, including Brussels, Century City, Dallas, Denver, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Munich, New York, Orange County, Palo Alto, Paris, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Singapore, and Washington, D.C.  For more information, please visit www.gibsondunn.com.

SOURCE Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP