Laura is a partner in the Communications & Media Department and Co-Chair of the Privacy, Cybersecurity & Data Strategy Practice Group. Laura has been recognized by Chambers USA as a leading lawyer in FinTech Data Protection and Cybersecurity. Focusing on the intersection of data, law and emerging technologies, Laura advises clients on a broad range of privacy and cybersecurity issues. She has extensive experience identifying and mitigating privacy and data protection issues arising out of the collection, use and storage of data as well as the design of new business models, products and technologies. A former senior in-house counsel and C-suite executive, Laura understands the business, legal and technological challenges and opportunities her clients face and helps develop innovative approaches to maximize the value of their data-based assets.
Laura handles complex data security incidents, including large data breaches in the healthcare, internet, social media and hospitality sectors, among others. She directs forensic investigations, advises on notifications to US and international regulators, and leads sensitive interactions with law enforcement and national security agencies related to cyber incidents.
Laura also advises on US and international privacy and cybersecurity compliance, including obligations imposed by the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). She also advises clients on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), as well as other data security and breach notification laws. She has helped hundreds of clients build and enhance comprehensive privacy programs, while anticipating emerging and quickly evolving privacy and security obligations.
Experience
Prior to joining Willkie in 2021, Laura served as global head of the Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice at McDermott Will & Emery. Prior to that, she served as general counsel, chief privacy and security officer at a healthcare data analytics company, and as chief privacy counsel at a major health insurer, where she helped lead the company’s response to one of the largest ever reported data breaches. Earlier, Laura served as vice president and chief litigation counsel at America Online, Inc. (AOL), where she played a critical role in the development of internet law, including early cases establishing the scope of ISP immunity under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and efforts to protect anonymous speech online. In addition, Laura led AOL’s response to a number of high-profile government investigations, including some of the first US and EU investigations into data privacy and antitrust matters in the technology industry. Laura also played a leading role in gaining US international regulatory approval of AOL’s merger with Time Warner in 2000, then the largest corporate merger in history. Laura later held a business role as chief of staff to AOL’s vice chairman.
- Chambers FinTech: Legal: Data Protection & Cyber Security – USA, Band 2 (2019–2021)
- Corporate Counsel, “Women, Influence & Power in Law” Awards – Thought Leadership (2020)
- The Legal 500 United States (2018, 2019)
- Expert Guides – Women in Business Law (2020)
Selected significant matters include*:
- Represented global hospitality company in connection with response to major data security incident that potentially exposed the personal information of up to 500 million guests at hotel properties. Engagement included advice on compliance with US and international data protection and data breach notification regulations, including EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
- Represented prominent internet company in federal and international law enforcement action related to nation-state sponsored data breach of more than 1 billion user accounts, resulting in indictment, extradition and conviction of foreign national.
- Advised leading internet and social media companies on applicability of Section 230 immunity in connection with creation of COVID-19 online resource centers.
- Represented social media app in connection with investigation by EU data protection authorities into overseas transfers of sensitive personal data.
* Laura advised on these matters prior to joining Willkie.
Credentials
Education
Harvard Law School, J.D. (cum laude), 1991 University of California, Berkeley, B.A. (with highest honors), 1986