BuckleySandler Expands Privacy, Cyber Risk & Data Security Capabilities With Addition of Notable Authority on Data Asset Risk & Privacy

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - Dec 15, 2014) - BuckleySandler LLP is pleased to announce that Rena Mears, an internationally recognized authority in security and privacy, has joined the firm's growing Privacy, Cyber Risk & Data Security practice as Managing Director effective December 1, 2014. With more than 25 years of experience advising companies and Boards operating in complex business and regulatory environments on effective methods for addressing data asset risk, Mears will help the firm's clients to develop, implement and evaluate data risk mitigation strategies, enterprise security/privacy programs, cybersecurity and breach response capabilities. Mears' arrival follows last month's announcement that Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler, a leader among state attorneys general on data security and privacy, would be joining the firm as a partner upon completion of his second term.

"Privacy, Cyber Risk & Data Security is one of the fastest growing areas of practice at the firm and one where we continue to invest in expanding our capabilities," said Firm Chairman and Executive Partner, Andrew L. Sandler. "Rena's internationally recognized experience advising companies in the financial services, digital commerce, technology, hospitality, bio-tech and consumer products and services industries will enable us to better meet client needs for comprehensive legal and compliance solutions to these complex issues."

"Rena will be a great asset to our growing Privacy, Cyber Risk & Data Security practice and we are fortunate to have her join our team," noted BuckleySandler partner Margo H. K. Tank. "Rena has led multi-year engagements dealing with cyber-threats and the depth of her security and privacy experience, coupled with her intricate data risk mitigation knowledge, will be a valuable resource for our clients in managing their vulnerabilities, responding to data breaches and ensuring compliance and controls within their organizations. Her expertise will integrate exceptionally well with our Digital Commerce and Payments practice, particularly in the FinTech space."

Prior to joining BuckleySandler, Mears was a Partner in a Big Four advisory firm's Enterprise Risk Services practice, where she founded and led its Global and U.S. Privacy & Data Protection practice. She is an author and sought after speaker on enterprise security and privacy programs; cybersecurity and breach response; data asset management and protection; third-party risk; and customer trust. She served on the AICPA/CICA's Privacy Task Force, developing Generally Accepted Privacy Principles (GAPP). In addition, she is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP); has a CISSP® certification, a globally recognized standard of achievement that confirms an individual's knowledge in the field of information security; and a CISA certification, the globally accepted standard of achievement among information systems audit, control and security professionals. Mears received an M.B.A from Auburn University and B.A. from the University of Albuquerque.

BuckleySandler's Privacy, Cyber Risk & Data Security team, which in 2012 and 2013 received recognition from the Legal 500 for its notable representations and overall risk management reputation, has addressed hundreds of security and privacy incidents and regularly advises clients in all aspects of legal and regulatory compliance, incident analysis, forensic review, call center set up and credit monitoring.

With more than 150 lawyers in Washington, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and London, BuckleySandler provides best-in-class legal counsel to meet the challenges of its clients across the full-range of government enforcement actions, complex and class action litigation and transactional, regulatory and public policy issues. Online: www.buckleysandler.com; Twitter: https://twitter.com/BuckleySandler; InfoBytes Blog: http://www.infobytesblog.com.