Cybersecurity, Data Protection & Privacy
Navigating the complexities of law and technology, Clark Hill’s women/veteran-led Cybersecurity, Data Protection and Privacy team advises clients on complex, high-profile incidents, enterprise-wide compliance strategies, and supports businesses as they grow and innovate.
Our 24/7 Response Team addresses legal, technical, and operational challenges of breach response and prevention. Our Cyber, Privacy and Technology litigation team defends businesses in data breach and consumer privacy lawsuits, and our compliance attorneys help businesses assess the impact of new technologies.
Team attorneys have been recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as a Women Leader in Law (2020), Notable Military Executive (2022), by Law360 as one of four national Rising Stars Data Privacy and Cybersecurity (2022), and The Best Lawyers in America® for Privacy and Data Security Law (2023).
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Melissa K. Ventrone is on the cutting edge of data security and privacy, helping clients navigate emerging challenges related to today’s digital economy. As leader of the Cybersecurity, Data Protection and Privacy business practice, Melissa directs her skilled, multidisciplinary team of first responders to minimize security risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and curtail damage in the event of a data incident. |
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Lara K. Forde serves as Director of the firm’s Cybersecurity, Data Protection and Privacy and Healthcare business units. In this capacity, Lara is responsible for strategic planning and business development activities that allow the groups to achieve their objectives and deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions for clients.
lforde@clarkhill.com | +1 713.951.5671
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Myriah Jaworski focuses her practice on the intersection of law and technology, advising clients on enterprise-wide data privacy and cybersecurity governance, incident response, data breach and class action defense, and related government investigations. Myriah works with clients to implement new technologies, including AI/ML and automated decision-making tools, to mitigate potential privacy risks and ethical biases and protect client IP and trade secrets.mjaworski@clarkhill.com | +1 619.819.2447 |
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Richard “Rick” Halm guides clients in preparing for, responding to, recovering, and learning from cybersecurity and privacy incidents. He also advises businesses on the benefits, risks, and necessary governance structures of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. He leverages his breadth of cybersecurity knowledge to negotiate contractual provisions related to cybersecurity and advise clients during regulatory investigations. |
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John F. Howard is a passionate advocate and legal advisor for organizations, ranging from local startups to Fortune 100 companies, navigating the complexities associated with protecting information in today’s business and regulatory environments. Using his experience in privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance he guides his clients as they address issues such as data breaches, privacy and cybersecurity maturation, and business transactions. |
