Alston & Bird has strengthened its global platform for advising on EU and international data protection with the addition of senior privacy and cybersecurity attorney Wim Nauwelaerts as partner in the firm’s Brussels office. Arriving from Sidley Austin LLP, Nauwelaerts is a veteran privacy and cybersecurity attorney with more than 20 years’ experience.
“Privacy and cybersecurity continue to be increasingly critical issues for CEOs and boards, especially among U.S.-based multinationals that view data protection as a global issue,” said Jim Harvey, Alston & Bird partner and co-chair of the firm’s Privacy & Data Security and Cybersecurity Preparedness & Response Teams. “Wim is an internationally recognized attorney in the EU privacy and cybersecurity arena with a well-earned reputation as a trusted voice in advising senior executives in the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere on strategic business decisions and initiatives involving their companies’ most valuable data assets.”
Nauwelaerts advises clients on all aspects of EU and international data protection and privacy compliance, focusing on the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), data transfer strategies, data security and breach requirements, and compliance training. His clients represent a broad base of industries, with a concentration in the life sciences, technology, and new media sectors. A thought leader on data security, cybersecurity, and privacy issues, Nauwelaerts has authored more than 30 articles on industry topics ranging from cloud computing and online behavioral advertising, to cross-border discovery and privacy compliance in pharmaceutical research.
“Increased public awareness and concern about privacy issues have prompted governments worldwide to enact new privacy legislation, with more to come,” said Rich Willis, partner in charge of Alston & Bird’s Brussels and London offices. “Having an attorney of Wim’s talent and stature reinforces the strength of our privacy and data security offering as a global platform for advising U.S. multinationals and other companies seeking increasingly sophisticated advice and advocacy when dealing with the GDPR and its corporate implications as well as other extensive cross-border regulations.”
Nauwelaerts, who is qualified in Belgian law and fluent in English, Dutch, and French, is the most recent addition to Alston & Bird’s data security, cybersecurity, and privacy capabilities. He follows Amy Mushahwar, who joined as partner in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office earlier this year.