Department profile

Privacy & Data Security: The Elite

Global Guide 2026 : USA

Rankings

Ranked Individuals

About

Provided by Morrison Foerster

Morrison & Foerster’s market-leading Privacy + Data Security team includes more than 60 experienced lawyers across the U.S., Europe, and Asia providing seamless, integrated global service. Our extensive experience, familiarity with global data protection laws, and geographic reach position us to handle virtually any privacy or data security issue, anywhere in the world. From big data to cybersecurity, user-generated content to interest-based advertising, and cloud computing to the Internet of Things, our lawyers are at the forefront of issues involving cutting-edge technologies.

Our team assists many multinationals in developing their cross-border compliance strategies and we are familiar with the data protection laws in every jurisdiction in which they exist. We also know that our clients seek solutions that balance legal compliance with commercial realities, and employ innovative strategies to solve their most complex challenges.

We have also worked with countless organizations to design and strengthen their data security policies and practices to prevent data security breaches, minimize the risks associated with them, and comply with the ever-growing landscape of national and state data security requirements. A prominent aspect of our practice is advising clients when a material breach actually occurs. We are at the forefront of helping clients respond to emergency situations and have provided counsel on several of the most noteworthy security incidents of recent years.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Privacy & Data Security: The Elite - USA

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Morrison Foerster is a market-leading data security and privacy firm, offering the full suite of privacy law services, including data breach notification and enforcement. Well versed in creating tailored privacy policies for clients. Possesses significant experience advising on FTC and state privacy regulatory compliance matters. Works with notable established and emerging life sciences and technology companies. Often provides counsel to clients on the privacy aspects of major M&A transactions.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

The firm is able to handle complex matters in a way that allows our business to operate while managing our risk levels. Its depth is excellent.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
The firm has distinguished expertise in the field, first-rate strategic analysis and implementation, capable of handling sensitive matters with practical problem-solving and excellent teamwork.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
Morrison Foerster's team are incredibly responsive, knowledgeable and well resourced. It's often stressful handling cybersecurity issues, but they're outstanding.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
The firm has been particularly skilled in advising on where we need to give to bolster our position, and where we can dig in and push back. It has been a great partner.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
They are creative, responsive and have a deep bench with experts in everything.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Senior Statespeople
Senior Statespeople
L Richard Fischer
Senior counsel Richard Fischer remains a highly regarded figure in the privacy space. His storied career has included acting for insurers, banks and retailers.
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Band 1
Band 1
Miriam Wugmeister
Miriam Wugmeister is frequently engaged by multinational corporations and Fortune 500 companies to advise on compliance with privacy regulations globally and for representation in major FTC investigations.
Miriam is the true leader with respect to how she works on breaches and incident response.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
Miriam is the absolute best in the business. I unequivocally trust her to provide practical, actionable legal advice. It's difficult to have a truly global data security practice and she manages it.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
Miriam is top of the class.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
I think Miriam is a real star in many ways as she's very practical for clients and has built a really strong team. She knows things inside and out.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
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Band 3
Band 3
Boris Segalis
Boris Segalis is well known for his experience representing clients in government investigations and frequently provides regulatory advice to developers of new technologies, including AI.
Boris is brilliant at quickly assessing the complexity, then breaking down the consequences systematically.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
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Band 3
Band 3
Julie O'Neill
Julie O'Neill is recommended for her expertise in a wide range of privacy matters, frequently advising on CCPA and COPPA compliance, as well as acting for clients undergoing FTC investigations.
Julie O'Neill is just smart and easy to talk to and we have practical, in-depth discussions about complex regulations where these laws are new and the results are tangible and business-friendly.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
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Band 3
Band 3
Melissa Crespo
Melissa Crespo demonstrates considerable strength in providing counsel to clients on HIPPA compliance and matters related to AI technologies in the healthcare privacy sphere.
Melissa is a rockstar and there is no question she can't answer.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
Melissa has helped us navigate on several time sensitive and complex issues in a practical and business-friendly way. She is always a pleasure to work with.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
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Band 3
Band 3
Purvi G Patel
Purvi Patel has a broad client base that consists of organisations in the technology and retail space. She has experience of handling issues arising from claims under the California Consumer Privacy Act and California False Advertising Law.
I thought she was really strong.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
I would highlight Purvi, she's great. For a matter regarding privacy laws she would be the first person on my mind. She is very responsive, excellent, client oriented and very helpful to us.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
Purvi is great and very smart.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
Purvi is great; she's super smart and provides really sound advice we're very confident in.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
My confidence in and reliance on Purvi has steadily increased as I've continued to work with her on various matters. She is quick to respond and that helps me do my job well.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
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Band 3
Band 3
Tiffany Cheung
Tiffany Cheung routinely handles complex and high-profile class actions. Her broad practice also involves representing clients in a range of disputes, including those relating to consumer advertising issues and wiretapping claims.
Tiffany is wonderful. A great lawyer and provides very good customer service.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
Tiffany is a brilliant tactician, strategist and trusted legal confidant. She is incredibly sharp at thinking through next steps, being a step ahead of the adversary and creative in achieving results.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
Tiffany is an excellent team leader and trusted partner.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
Tiffany is a highly effective and seasoned litigator in court and at the settlement table. Her knowledge and insights are invaluable.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
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Band 4
Band 4
Nathan D. Taylor
Nathan Taylor specializes in financial privacy law and assisting companies with adopting the CCPA, while also being proficient at handling cross-border data transfer agreements.
Nathan is very smart.
Privacy & Data Security: The Elite respondentGlobal
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