Jeffrey M. Dennis

Head of Privacy & Data Security, Partner

Jeff Dennis heads the firm’s Privacy and Data Security practice, spanning issues from cybersecurity strategy to incident response and complex litigation. As the immediate past Managing Partner of the firm, Jeff understands the challenges facing business leaders. He tailors his legal advice and counsel to individual client needs while meeting the legal and regulatory challenges of this ever-evolving area of law. Known for his practical advice and focus on business value, Jeff gets the results his clients need to drive business forward.

Business-Focused Counsel in Challenging Times

Jeff assists companies of all sizes in a variety of areas – from privacy and data security to bet-the-company litigation. He takes a nimble, proactive approach, positioned at the forefront of business needs, to deliver practical solutions. When a company faces difficulties, Jeff understands that business priorities often take precedence over legal needs. He collaborates with business principals and key participants to help companies advance past challenging times in a business-savvy manner.

Privacy and Data Security

A certified graduate of HarvardX’s Cybersecurity Risk Management program and holder of the esteemed Certified Information Privacy Professional / US Private Sector (CIPP/US) designation, Jeff has an in-depth understanding of managing cybersecurity risk. He counsels his clients on privacy and cybersecurity related issues to advance his clients’ business interests. Jeff draws on a team of attorneys guided by leaders in each of the firm’s offices to deliver legal counsel on data privacy issues impacting healthcare, insurance, and employment concerns for corporate clients nationwide.

Consumer Privacy Act Compliance

Jeff leverages his knowledge of privacy and data security to advise clients on the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). He has worked with California business leaders and companies doing business in the Golden State to implement the new regulations and mitigate their impact. This experience springboards Jeff’s understanding of regulatory compliance throughout U.S.

Cyber Insurance

Jeff conducts insurance policy review and placement within the cybersecurity insurance framework to address critical legal ramifications. Jeff and his team are frequently retained to review cyber liability insurance for publicly-traded and privately-held homebuilder and to advise on salient gaps and overlaps in coverage. Services include a matrix assessing the strengths and weaknesses of such policies and annual review of policy benefits.

Shaping Cybersecurity Law and Policy

The firm is a founding partner of UCI’s Cybersecurity Policy & Research Institute, where Jeff sits on the Executive Committee and plays a key role in presenting legal insight and developments focused on cybersecurity solutions at the intersection of technology, law and policy. Jeff’s thought leadership in the global privacy and data security space has been further demonstrated in radio interviews, and the dozens of articles he has authored.

Litigation

Jeff has represented Fortune 500 companies in complex litigation, construction claims, and insurance disputes. He has tried multiple cases to verdict, and has negotiated settlements for his clients for a cumulative value in excess of $100 million. He represents developers and businesses in all aspects of complex litigation and handles the insurance coverage issues that arise out of construction claims. Jeff also has experience in business litigation matters involving lease disputes, partnership disputes, employment, breach of contract, negligence and premises liability claims.