CPW’s incredible team just leveled up, as this week consumer privacy superstar Alan Friel joined Squire Patton Boggs.  Alan brings with him nearly three decades of comprehensive experience in data privacy.  He 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.  Alan joins SPB as Deputy Chair of the firm’s global Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice, just as consumer privacy becomes increasingly more important.  Just yesterday Governor Northam signed the Virginia Consumer Protection Act into law.  See our blog post here.

Do you know Alan? He is THE go-to attorney for clients in the data commercialization space, having 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, like the Virginia law it inspired, which will take effect in 2023.

Alan also has deep expertise building information governance plans that not only enable his clients’ compliance with applicable data privacy laws and regulations but also maximize businesses’ ability to monetize and protect their data.   He has helped countless advertisers, publishers and adtech companies meet challenges to digital advertising presented by changing consumer privacy laws domestically and internationally.  Alan routinely counsels clients on data commercialization within the regulatory frameworks applicable to the Advertising, Media and Brands; Automotive; Aviation; Healthcare; Hospitality and Leisure; Retail; and Sports and Entertainment industries.

Having served as a general counsel for several years in the 1990s before returning to private practice, Alan has the necessary expertise to advise clients on making practical and informed business decisions, and help companies and entrepreneurs navigate the complex opportunities created by disruptive technology.

Don’t take our word for the force of nature that is Alan Friel-the accolades say it all: “Alan is especially knowledgeable about privacy and technology issues involved in advertising.  He is a ‘strong player in this space’ and ‘a very good negotiator.’” – Chambers USA 2020.   Alan has received the following recognitions for his expertise and accomplishments in the data privacy space:

  • Recognized by Chambers USA in Nationwide Advertising: Transactional & Regulatory – Band 3 (2020), Recognized Practitioner (2019).
  • Recognized by The Legal 500 United States 2018, 2019 and 2020 for Media, Technology and Telecoms – Advertising and Marketing: Transactional & Regulatory.
  • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2020 to present for California: Advertising Law.
  • Named one of Los Angeles Business Journal’s Most Influential Lawyers: Digital Media and E-Commerce Law.
  • Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent.
  • American Lawyer Media: Top Rated Lawyers in Technology.

Welcome Alan.  We are so proud to have you as part of the CPW team and looking forward to the great work we will do together.