Information Law Group Has Big Firm Reach With Practical, Affordable Approach

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - October 6, 2009) - Almost every business today uses information technology and the Internet to conduct its operations, store and save customer information, and market itself. But tough questions still remain: How can businesses comply with the myriad state, federal and international laws surrounding data privacy and security, and how can they prevent and respond to potentially damaging data breaches?

The Information Law Group, a collection of veteran information technology attorneys, is positioned to help its clients confront and solve these problems. Launched today by three partners from across the U.S., the Information Law Group is a virtual law firm -- designed to combine both big firm skills and reach with the affordability and agility of a boutique.

Partners Tanya Forsheit in Los Angeles, David Navetta in Denver and Scott Blackmer come together today after many years in large law firms and in-house roles. During those years they realized that in many instances, law firms are too large and expensive to help the majority of small, midsize and even large businesses with their data security and privacy needs; or they are too small to handle the multidisciplinary needs of businesses today.

"We were looking for a different, better model," said Forsheit, the former Co-Chair of Proskauer Rose's Privacy and Data Security practice group.

Navetta, a former assistant general counsel for a major insurer's eBusiness risk group, added: "While we were working with some of the very largest corporate clients and governmental agencies, we wondered how we could bring down the costs, particularly in this difficult economic climate."

"The answer was to eliminate the two biggest costs facing any large law firm: expensive office space and associate salaries," concluded Blackmer, an IT attorney since 1982 and a former partner at WilmerHale. "At the same time, we all have long track records solving the most complicated issues facing corporate clients, large and small. As a result, we can provide partner-level experience at very affordable rates."

The partners at the Information Law Group will also provide regular and substantive updates to business people who want to protect and preserve their vital business data through their blog www.infolawgroup.com. The blog, which also launches today, will provide newsworthy information and analysis not found elsewhere and will serve as a vital resource to clients and the industry at large.

"We like the idea of having a blog because it provides a value-added resource to companies looking for quick guidance, on-the-go," said Forsheit, who launched Proskauer's popular Privacy Law Blog in 2007. "This is a nimble tool that we can use to share breaking news with anyone interested in improving their data security and compliance. Even casual users can keep abreast of the most cutting-edge issues -- the same issues facing most businesses today."

Certainly, businesses face hundreds if not thousands of rules and regulations regarding their digital data and e-commerce operations. And there are ever-increasing risks to that data (in both the digital and brick and mortar worlds), whether it is identity theft, or the loss of customer credit card information, trade secrets, or employee and health records. The potential liabilities can be enormous, whether they come in the form of consumer class actions, private attorney general lawsuits, state and federal regulatory actions, or shareholder suits. Add to that the enormous challenges in responding to data breaches, with costly breach notice requirements and other headaches, including compensatory and punitive damages.

"Preventing and responding to these security risks can save companies millions of dollars in litigation and regulatory costs, as well as an even more important asset: their reputations in the marketplace," Blackmer said. "We want to make sure our clients avoid these problems and ensure that their customers always feel comfortable using online tools to do business."

Contact Information: CONTACTS Tanya Forsheit Information Law Group (310) 594-4627 Erik Cummins Bame Public Relations (415) 217-9341