Paul Hastings Continues Data and Privacy Push with Addition of Regulatory Expert

September 08, 2015

New York, NY – Paul Hastings LLP, a leading global law firm, announced today that James Koenig has joined Paul Hastings’ Privacy and Cybersecurity practice. Jim will help lead the firm’s efforts to broaden its practice in this important and growing area. He joins as of counsel in New York and was most recently with Booz Allen Hamilton.
“We’ve been expanding our privacy, cybersecurity, and data capabilities because we understand how important these legal and business issues are for our clients,” said Barry Sher, chair of Paul Hastings’ Litigation Department. “Jim’s hire is consistent with our broader strategy to invest in our practices so that we’re providing expertise in key areas at the highest level, which is what our clients need,” he added.

“Jim’s hire marks another big step in our journey to become a one-stop-shop for clients’ data, privacy and security needs across industries and technologies,” said Behnam Dayanim, co-chair of the Privacy and Cybersecurity practice at Paul Hastings. “Jim is one of the most experienced and talented experts in this field and we hope our clients will appreciate that we’re building our bench with a diverse talent pool that is best positioned to help address the myriad challenges they face,” he added.

“I am excited to put my years of know-how in the areas of privacy, cybersecurity and data management to use for Paul Hastings’ clients,” said Mr. Koenig. “Paul Hastings is one of a handful of firms that really understands that advising clients on these complex issues means bringing diverse perspectives and experience in business, law and technology to the table in an integrated fashion. I am really looking forward to helping the firm continue to build this dynamic practice in existing and emerging areas,” he added.

At both PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Booz Allen Hamilton (Booz Allen), Mr. Koenig globally led and built leading privacy, cybersecurity/incident response, and data management practices. He has an extensive business, technology, and legal background and is a recognized authority on privacy, cybersecurity, and data management issues affecting consumer finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and direct and interactive marketing. Mr. Koenig has worked globally with an array of domestic and international clients on projects involving more than 125 countries. Over the last five years, he has represented clients in the financial services, retail, pharmaceutical/healthcare, cable, telecommunications, car rental, airline, social media, technology, and manufacturing industries, including 35% of the companies currently in the Fortune 100.

Mr. Koenig’s work has included serving as an expert to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights (OCR), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on industry best practices and the impact of potential regulatory changes. Jim has also provided testimony to regulators on a variety of domestic and international privacy and security issues. Based on his experience and reputation with regulators, Mr. Koenig’s practice regularly advises companies on compliance practices and through regulatory investigations.

Prior to PwC and Booz Allen, Mr. Koenig held senior marketing, management, and legal positions at QVC, MaMaMedia.com (an internet start-up focusing on children’s education), and Weil, Gotshal and Manges LLP. He is also a named inventor or co-inventor on six patent applications relating to security and privacy-enhancing technologies.

Paul Hastings LLP is a leading global law firm with offices in Asia, Europe, and the United States. We provide innovative legal solutions to financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies. Please visit www.paulhastings.com for more information.