Brandon N. Robinson, partner in the Birmingham office and chair of the firm’s Data Privacy & Security Practice, and Kelsi Long, attorney in the firm’s Birmingham office and member of the Data Privacy & Security Practice, co-authored an article for Law360, published on July 6, 2022, on how businesses would be affected by the Federal Data Privacy Bill.
In the article, Brandon and Kelsi discuss the Federal Data Privacy Bill and how the act represents a significant step toward the protection of individual privacy rights at the federal level. “This bipartisan effort indicates more momentum toward such a goal than we have seen in several years, but one should expect additional amendments and refinements as it works its way through passage, with significant deference toward FTC rulemaking if enacted,” said Brandon and Kelsi.
Additionally, Brandon and Kelsi explain how the act places significant obligations on businesses, particularly those that are not currently subject to European privacy law or state comprehensive privacy laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act — or those soon to be in effect in states such as Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia and Utah.
Brandon counsels clients in a variety of industries regarding cybersecurity and data privacy issues to assist them in proactively managing risks while maintaining innovative customer service. He represents companies on issues that include data breach management and response, compliance with federal, state, and sectoral privacy laws and regulations, review and drafting of contracts with vendors and other third parties involving customer data and nondisclosure agreements, and the creation and maintenance of company policies and procedures. He also serves as transactional counsel on projects involving technology and data, including drones, broadband infrastructure, data application and transfers, and other emerging technologies. As part of his energy practice, Brandon also represents electric utilities and others in the energy industry on a variety of regulatory and technological compliance issues, including cybersecurity issues related to critical infrastructure protection.
Brandon is the editor of and a frequent contributor to the firm’s Data Privacy & Security Observer Blog, which provides legal updates and thought leadership on data privacy and cybersecurity issues.
Kelsi’s practice focuses on transactional matters involving data privacy and security, corporate and securities and energy issues. She routinely advises clients on corporate formation, strategic acquisitions and data breach disclosures, and guides clients through due diligence and contract negotiations. Kelsi works closely with clients' legal and business teams, supporting day-to-day commercial agreements and assisting to navigate the data privacy and security regulatory landscape.
