Leading Privacy Partner Liisa Thomas Joins Sheppard Mullin
Liisa M. Thomas has joined the Chicago office of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP as co-leader of the firm’s growing Privacy and Cybersecurity practice. Thomas joined Sheppard Mullin from Winston & Strawn LLP where she chaired the firm’s global Privacy and Data Security practice.
"Liisa is sought out across the globe by corporations for her deep expertise in privacy and data security issues. Liisa represents another important step forward in our strategic plan to expand our capabilities in key areas that our clients need. She adds to the depth and breadth of our existing privacy and cybersecurity practice. As these issues become increasingly important to our clients we continue to offer best in class service throughout the full cycle of privacy and cybersecurity needs," said Guy N. Halgren, chairman of Sheppard Mullin.
Craig Cardon, co-leader of Sheppard Mullin’s Privacy & Cybersecurity practice added, "We are thrilled that Liisa has joined the firm. I look forward to partnering with Liisa to meet all of the privacy and cybersecurity needs of our clients and prospective clients. Whether responding to regulatory changes or security incidents, recent events demonstrate just how integral privacy and cybersecurity is to the modern businesses we service."
"Sheppard Mullin is a top-tier firm, and I have found the attorneys here to be talented, entrepreneurial and welcoming. I have been impressed with the firm’s deep bench of privacy litigators and the firm’s full range of privacy-related experience, from government regulatory and cross-border data transfers to social media compliance and technology transactions. I look forward to continuing to grow this practice with Craig," said Thomas.
"We’re very pleased to welcome Liisa to the Chicago office. She is an exceptional privacy attorney and an ideal fit for our growing office," commented Lawrence C. Eppley, managing partner of Sheppard Mullin’s Chicago office.
Thomas has more than two decades of experience advising corporations on privacy law issues. Her practice includes identifying and investigating data breach incidents; coaching clients through the data breach notification process; creating information protection and security programs; simplifying privacy policies to better protect corporate clients; developing compliant text message and mobile marketing campaigns; navigating the complex legal world of online behavioral advertising; ensuring compliance in social media promotions; and counseling on children’s advertising and privacy issues. In addition, Thomas, who was born in Finland and has lived in France, Egypt and Spain, frequently coordinates global privacy-related efforts for her clients.
A recognized expert in the industry by Chambers Global, Legal 500 U.S., Cybersecurity Docket, among others, Thomas is the author of the definitive treatise on data breach, Thomas on Data Breach: A Practical Guide to Handling Worldwide Data Breach Notification, which has been described as “a no-nonsense roadmap for in-house and external practitioners alike.” In addition, Thomas is an active advocate of women and minorities in the legal industry and has been honored for her leadership by the Illinois Diversity Council and listed as one of 15 practitioners in the Minority Corporate Counsel Association’s Annual List of Rainmakers. Thomas earned a J.D. from the University of Chicago and a B.A. from Haverford College. She is also an adjunct professor at Northwestern Law School.
Sheppard Mullin has more than 30 attorneys based in its Chicago office. The firm's Privacy and Cybersecurity practice includes more than 40 attorneys firmwide.