2020’s Cyber & Privacy Problems – Lessons From 2020 and Some Predictions for 2021

Heather Egan Partner

Boston

Heather partners with clients to reduce the risk of privacy and security incidents. In the event of an incident, she helps companies respond, successfully guiding them through investigation, remediation, notification and any ensuing government inquiries. She provides comprehensive crisis management support and companies rely on her to manage their response to catastrophes, investigations and government probes involving conduct by employees, contractors and third parties.

To help clients navigate complicated global regulatory compliance challenges, she leads comprehensive cybersecurity and privacy assessments worldwide, vets risks in corporate transactions, conducts internal investigations stemming from data incidents, and drafts and negotiates contracts concerning data-related vendors and arrangements. She regularly counsels businesses on how to mitigate risks associated with the collection, use, retention, disclosure, transfer and disposal of personal data. Outside of the U.S., she manages teams of talented counsel around the world to deliver seamless advice for clients that operate across many jurisdictional lines, developing comprehensive privacy and cybersecurity programs that address competing regulatory regimes.

Dr. Christian Schröder Partner

Düsseldorf

Christian helps clients consider the privacy and artificial intelligence implications of new technology, supports their compliance programs, and helps them stay ahead of enforcement trends. One particular focus of his work deals with internal data transfer agreements, external data transfers with external providers, and product launches that comply with international data protection standards, as well as privacy requirements for connected cars. Furthermore, Christian provides guidance on privacy and data protection considerations for developing, acquiring, using, licensing and selling technology, data and intellectual property, including M&A transactions and IP focused joint ventures. He supports companies on the set-up of webshops, outsourcings, license agreements, in cases of trademark or unfair and deceptive trade practice issues, as well as on hard and software license and information technology (IT) project agreements.

 

Christian maintains strong working relationships with German data protection authorities and EU regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over privacy and data security matters. He effectively defends companies in cybersecurity and privacy-related investigations initiated by EU regulatory authorities. He also engages with authorities on behalf of clients and helps clients avoid proceedings and possible litigation. When litigation can't be avoided, Christian vigorously defends his clients.

 

For companies facing global cybersecurity incidents, Christian helps with crisis mitigation, including counseling on notification requirements, coordinating media strategies, and representing clients before data protection authorities in related regulatory investigations.

 

Christian regularly contributes practical thought leadership to global privacy industry publications and German privacy books and journals. Christian authors the Chapter V (international data transfers) of Germany’s leading GDPR commentary Kühling/Buchner (4th ed.) and is co-author to the Corporate Privacy Handbook (Betrieblicher Datenschutz). As an active member of the Sedona Conference, Christian drives the development and understanding of cross border privacy. He also participates in, hosts and moderates speaking programs with fellow private practitioners, EU data protection authorities, and academics focused on privacy and data security. Legal 500 Germany named Christian one of the top 15 practitioners in 2023 and noted that he is "a pioneer in the legal field, a data protection guru." They also recognized Christian and Orrick as "truly global" and how that it is "vital as they require the various leaders of each region to participate and bring issues to the table as a forum".

 

Prior to working in private practice, Christian interned with the German Federal Data Protection Commissioner and www.epic.org.