Allen O’Rourke Discusses “Cybersecurity Law for Corporate Counsel” at ACC Charlotte Chapter Event

CHARLOTTE, NC—Womble Bond Dickinson attorney Allen O’Rourke presented on “Cybersecurity Law for Corporate Counsel” to members of the Association of Corporate Counsel’s Charlotte Chapter.

In this presentation, O’Rourke, a former US Department of Justice cybercrime prosecutor, discussed how corporate counsel can identify and analyze issues of cybersecurity law.

His presentation included basic concepts of internet technology and cybersecurity, so that attorneys without training in computer science can understand and communicate effectively about legal issues related to cyberattacks. Drawing on a recent cyberattack that he helped a client overcome, O’Rourke explained how to handle responding to a cybersecurity incidents and the applicable legal analysis. In particular, he highlighted key lessons and practical takeaways for corporate counsel. O’Rourke also discussed the evolving landscape of cybersecurity law and what to expect in the future, including likely amendments to North Carolina’s breach notification statute.

O’Rourke’s presentation took place July 10. Approximately 145 in-house counsel were in attendance. Womble Bond Dickinson attendees included attorneys Jennifer Cory, Melinda Davis Lux, Claire Rauscher and Sid Shenoy. Client Service Director Stephanie Hinrichs and Senior Marketing & Client Resources Manager Ashley Laney provided support.

O’Rourke will give similar presentations to ACC members in Raleigh/RTP on August 28 and in the Triad (date TBD).

Allen O’Rourke co-chairs the Privacy and Cybersecurity Team at Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, and is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US, CIPP/E). He leads cyber investigations, helps clients respond to data breaches, and represents clients facing regulatory actions, consumer litigation, and business disputes arising out of cybersecurity incidents. Allen also provides guidance on privacy and data protection, digital advertising and analytics, cybersecurity preparedness, and legal aspects of computer network defense. Prior to joining Womble, O’Rourke was a cybercrime prosecutor who helped lead the Cyber Unit at the US Attorney’s Office in Washington, DC, where he received two Special Achievement Awards for his work to combat cybercrime.