Combining a ‘collaborative spirit’, a ’deep understanding of people‘, and ’significant knowledge and experience in the healthcare data privacy area’, the global privacy and cybersecurity group at McDermott Will & Emery LLP acts in transactional, compliance-based and risk management matters for a range of global clients. Practice head Michael Morgan works out of California, and is noted for his experience advising on the legal issues arising out of advanced technologies. Washington DC-based Elliot Golding, ‘a brilliant attorney that always comes up with practical, actionable solutions’, also stands out for his work with emerging technologies, while DC colleague Jiayan Chen is praised for the ’practical and commercial approach‘ she takes to healthcare technology matters. In Boston, Edward Zacharias is a go-to for healthcare industry clients. Alexander Southwell joined the team in September 2024 from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘McDermott has significant knowledge and experience in the healthcare data privacy area, specifically around secondary uses of data and data de-identification requirements. It was great to have a firm to go-to where we did not have to pay the firm to research/learn the issues and caselaw. ’

  • ‘We work with Jiayan Chen. She is excellent in the healthcare data privacy area, specifically as it relates to transferring data. She takes a practical and commercial approach in her advice, which is helpful for us to be able to navigate this area in the context of our business.’

  • ‘The team is incredibly pragmatic; they know their clients and provide direction and insights that are workable and fit your business and risk profile, while providing great information regarding what others are doing in the market so you can appropriately reference what an industry standard approach may look like. ’

  • ‘Elliot Golding is the most responsive, knowledgeable, and pragmatic cyber/privacy attorney I've had the pleasure of working with.'

  • ‘McDermott's Cyber Law team boasts a deep understanding of people, diversity, technology & collaboration, allowing them to tailor solutions to the unique challenges faced by clients in those sectors. The team comprises highly skilled attorneys with a proven track record in successfully navigating the evolving legal frameworks surrounding cybersecurity, data privacy, and data protection.'

  • 'McDermott's international presence enables them to provide seamless legal support across borders, ensuring clients receive comprehensive counsel in the face of diverse regulatory landscapes.'

  • ‘What truly distinguishes the individuals at McDermott is their commitment to innovative problem-solving. They bring a creative and forward-thinking approach to addressing the complex challenges associated with cybersecurity, data privacy, and data protection, setting them apart from competitors who may take a more conventional approach.'

  • 'One of the standout qualities of the team is their collaborative spirit. McDermott's individuals work seamlessly together, fostering an environment where collective intelligence thrives. This collaborative ethos translates into a more robust and effective service for clients facing multifaceted legal issues.’

Key clients

  • BDO USA LLP
  • Volkswagen Group of America
  • Kroll Inc.

Lawyers

Leading partners
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.

Michael Morgan

Other key lawyers

Edward Zacharias, Daniel Gottlieb, Jiayan Chen, Ryan Higgins, Elliot Golding, Kathryn Linsky, David Saunders, Stephen Reynolds, Amy Pimentel