Firm Partner and Certified Information Privacy Professional Valerie B. Barnhart to Lead New Group

 

FORT LAUDERDALE — Cybersecurity has become one of the fastest growing areas of law as companies of all sizes, across multiple industries, face growing security threats. Kelley Kronenberg, a diverse, full-service business law firm, has already been helping its clients prepare and mitigate risks. Today, the firm announced it has officially launched its Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice to assist clients in minimizing the risks and consequences of a serious security incident. This interdisciplinary team of litigation, corporate, employment, and technology attorneys is dedicated to helping clients manage the risks and opportunities that they face in this rapidly evolving technological environment.

 

Valerie B. Barnhart, a partner in the Fort Lauderdale Office, will lead the new group.  She is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) and a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) accredited by the International Association of Privacy Professionals. As a certified privacy professional, Barnhart has handled a wide range of privacy, data security and technology matters. The firm is hosting a Cybersecurity seminar, at which Barnhart will be a featured speaker, at the end of July.

 

“Data breaches and cybersecurity attacks are going to continue to be more prevalent as hackers get smarter, more creative and more organized,” said Barnhart. “These increasing concerns, and the growing threats around cybersecurity attacks, have put an extreme focus on Kelley Kronenberg assisting businesses’ in protecting their valuable information and private data. As a full-service law firm, all of our clients need to be aware of the issues and be prepared. This problem cuts across all types of organizations and industries.”

 

Kelley Kronenberg’s Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice covers a myriad of legal issues relating to privacy and security faced by both internet-based and traditional “brick and mortar” businesses. The team will work with organizations to assess and improve their cybersecurity stance and posture, as well as advise clients regarding the various statutory and regulatory requirements businesses face when handling sensitive information concerning their customers, employees, patients, and affiliates.

 

Collectively, the members of this practice group have multidisciplinary backgrounds in regulatory compliance, corporate governance and transactions, healthcare, intellectual property rights, complex civil litigation, and technology. In launching this Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice, Kelley Kronenberg is building on the success and knowledge of its existing legal team. The Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice attorneys will work with clients to assess current risks, create security policies and minimize potential vulnerabilities. The team is positioned to counsel clients and handle matters involving:

• Data Breach Prevention, Response, and Litigation
• Corporate Compliance Programs, including written information security policies and privacy policies and privacy notices
• Consumer Protection Laws, including data breach notification statutes, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA), Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act
• Preparation of social media policies
• Vendor management and vendor contracts

 

“Our focus is on prevention and risk management. Cybersecurity attacks are happening to companies across the country on a daily basis. However, there are best practices and proactive steps that can help companies to minimize their risk and avoid costly forensic investigation fees and reputation damage,” said Barnhart.

 

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About Kelley Kronenberg

Kelley Kronenberg is a diverse, full-service business law firm that provides litigation and other legal services to established corporations, insurance companies, entrepreneurs and individuals in Florida and other regions of the U.S. More than 100 attorneys strong, the firm offers 25 distinct practice areas throughout its network of ten offices in Florida and Illinois.  Founded in 1980, Kelley Kronenberg was built on relationships and continues to grow and excel because of its strength, offering sound legal counsel and exceptional client service. Kelley Kronenberg is ranked in the Top 25 Largest Law Firms in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal, and has been recognized as a Top Law Firm in Florida by the South Florida Legal Guide and LexisNexis ^® Martindale-Hubbell®.   More information on practice areas and office locations is available at www.kelleykronenberg.com.