Since I began my law and compliance practice over thirty years ago, my objective has been to develop legal expertise in technical areas such as technology law, information security and intelligent systems law, and trade sanctions. My most recent focus has been cybersecurity, data privacy and security, and intelligent systems designs such as complex systems for data analytics and information management. I have sought training and experience of the highest caliber.
My overall objective has been to develop the requisite skill set so as to be able to provide general corporate and technology counseling to sophisticated technology and technology-savvy clients with the sensitivity to cost, and with the sort of breadth of competence, that such clients would expect from a general counsel.
But effective legal representation, I believe, goes beyond technical familiarity with complex practice areas. Effective compliance systems mitigate risk in a cost effective manner, and implementation of these systems must follow a comprehensively strategic focus on greatest risk first. This is much easier said, than done. Developing such systems requires their close integration into the actual operation of the business, which requires the ability to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in order to fit compliance systems to purpose. Businesses invariably benefit their bottom lines in the development of such systems.
Let me give an example. Effective data privacy and security systems require effective, underlying data management and data analysis systems; you cannot protect and secure what you cannot locate, and use, in a systematic and cost effective fashion. Implementation of an effective cybersecurity program therefore benefits business organizations by highlighting opportunities for the development of more rational management of data storage and data analytic systems.
On a more personal level, I strive to provide legal services in a clear, plain, and congenial manner. Sophisticated, cutting-edge, legal representation need not be obscure or unpleasant. Whether presenting to a corporate board of directors and to senior management, or advising and where necessary directing embedded but essential technical subject matter leads, my ideal is always clear, concise, ego-free, and respectful representation.