The data privacy and security team at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP ‘is incredibly impressive’, particularly noted for its speed in dealing with complex data breaches along with ’deep connections at multiple organizations‘. Team head Christine Lyon, based in Silicon Valley, works with clients in developing privacy and data protection strategies along with compliance programs. In New York, Timothy Howard is recommended for his ’incredible reach‘ and ’aggressive approach to problem solving‘: his practice focuses on cybersecurity, data breaches, and cryptocurrency fraud. Brock Dahl works across Washington DC and Silicon Valley and heads the firm’s US Fintech practice. Beth George and Megan Kayo joined the team in June 2023 from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Both based in Silicon Valley, George brings government experience to strategic risk and crisis management work, while Kayo regularly works with clients experiencing data breaches.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Data Security/Cyber practice at Freshfields is incredibly impressive. They demonstrate speed, agility, effectiveness, substantive expertise and incredible industry connections. The most unique aspect of the practice is the ability to quickly mobilize and connect across various stakeholders, including local law enforcement, federal law enforcement and even international law enforcement.'

  • 'When critical data crimes occur, speed is everything. I was blown away at the speed by which this team assessed and diagnosed cause and then quickly mobilized to cure. The solution extended well beyond regulatory knowledge and problem solving, but included deep connections at multiple organizations.’

  • ‘I worked directly with Tim Howard. Tim was the most impressive lawyer I dealt with in 2023. Tim's superpower is his incredible reach - within hours he was able to not only diagnose and advise on potential courses of action and solutions, but quickly connect with law enforcement (on both a local and federal level) and put together a fulsome and holistic solution set. Within 24 hours we had AGs, DAs, and federal agencies in the mix. It was impressive to watch Tim work.'

  • 'When cyber issues occur, it's akin to an ER in the medical field. It requires quick action. During the storm, what is impressive about Tim Howard is his ability to stay calm and levelheaded, while also demonstrating incredible focus and an aggressive approach to problem solving.’

Key clients

  • Marriott International
  • Ericsson
  • ServiceNow, Inc.
  • eBay (NASDAQ: EBAY)
  • StepStone GmbH / Appcast, Inc.,
  • Schenck Process Group
  • Coupa Software Incorporated
  • Jungheinrich AG
  • bp (NYSE: BP)
  • PhenomeX

Lawyers

Leading lawyers
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Christine Lyon