Squire Patton Boggs is pleased to announce that partner Alan L. Friel has joined the Firm as Deputy Chair of its Global Data Privacy, Cybersecurity & Digital Assets Practice (Data Practice), resident in Los Angeles. Mr. Friel arrives from BakerHostetler, where he led the US Consumer Privacy practice, co-chaired the retail, restaurant and e-commerce industry initiative, and served as the California Digital Assets and Data Management Leader.
Ann LaFrance, who co-chairs the Global Data Practice, commented: “For clients across all sectors, data commercialization and privacy compliance are increasingly critical issues, together with cybersecurity preparedness and response. Alan is a highly respected practitioner in the field and I am delighted to welcome him aboard as deputy leader of the practice group. Alan has decades of experience guiding clients on how to manage data collection, monetization and protection programs in line with applicable law and sound business judgment. He will play an important role in charting the future direction of our Data Practice.”
“California is the epicenter of data privacy legislation in the US, so Alan’s addition to our LA office and our international Data Practice fits very well with our local-to-global client service strategy,” added Fred Nance, US Global Managing Partner.
Rosa Barcelo, European co-Chair of the Firm’s Global Data Practice, observed, “Clients in the retail, consumer products, advertising, emerging media and technology/telecoms spaces are experiencing rapid digital advancements. They are also facing a range of complex legal and regulatory issues arising out of these developments. Alan’s industry knowledge and deep experience in these areas, particularly AdTech, will contribute to the work we are doing for clients in these quickly evolving areas, advising on regulatory and commercial risk as well as solutions for complying with the GDPR and ePrivacy rules in each client’s specific context.”
A nationally recognized thought leader in digital media, intellectual property, data privacy and consumer protection law, Mr. Friel has three decades of experience advising clients on making practical, actionable and informed business decisions, while helping companies and entrepreneurs navigate the complex opportunities that disruptive technologies create.
Weaving together his previous in-house and private practice experience, Mr. Friel assists clients with the creation of data inventories and the development of information governance and data privacy and security programs. He also has extensive experience developing and implementing policies and procedures for providing consumer data privacy transparency; drafting and negotiating privacy and data security provisions for commercial contracts; and advising on data privacy and security issues in merger and acquisitions transactions. Mr. Friel also has experience addressing complex intellectual property and consumer protection issues related to digital media, advertising and commerce. He has advised hundreds of clients on compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act and is already counseling clients on compliance issues and options under the California Privacy Rights Act, which will take effect in 2023.
Keeping at the forefront of emerging media, Mr. Friel advises content producers, distributors, advertisers, AdTech companies and online services, as well as big brands, game publishers and app developers and publishers, on related legal issues. Mr. Friel is affiliated with UCLA as an assistant professor in a multidisciplinary project at the Graduate School of TV, Film and Digital Media, and is an adjunct professor at Loyola Marymount School of Law.
“I am excited to join Squire Patton Boggs’ highly respected Global Data Practice and look forward to collaborating with colleagues around the globe, which will enable me to enrich the services I offer to clients and provide a one-stop-shop for cross-border compliance counseling and incident response,” said Mr. Friel. “The Firm’s global strength in closely related practice groups, including Intellectual Property & Technology, Litigation, Government Investigations & White Collar and Public Policy, will also enhance the work of our expanding Data Practice in the US, Europe and beyond.”
“I have known Alan for many years. His longstanding commitment to diversity embodies what we strive to achieve and we welcome the contributions he is certain to make,” said Alethia Nancoo, a member of the Firm’s Global Board.
Mr. Friel added, “As an open LGBT professional who for many years has worked to defend LGBT rights and improve support and retention efforts for diverse lawyers, the commitment of Squire Patton Boggs to reflect the communities we serve is very important to me. I look forward to supporting the Firm’s inclusion and diversity programs.”
Mr. Friel is a Certified Privacy Program Manager (CPPM) and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP). He is highly regarded in leading legal directories, including Chambers USA, The Legal 500 US and Best Lawyers in America©, and named one of the “Most Influential Lawyers in Digital Media and E-Commerce Law” by the Los Angeles Business Journal.