Nicholas Merker has joined Baker McKenzie's distinguished North America Intellectual Property and Technology Practice Group as a Partner in Chicago, where he will advise clients on data privacy and security-related legal issues.
With a decade of pre-law technology experience in systems, network and security engineering, Nick acts as the bridge between law and technology, particularly for healthcare providers and technology service providers. He joins Baker McKenzie from Ice Miller LLP, where he founded the Data Security and Privacy Practice Group.
"Nick's unique skillset will add to the breadth of services Baker McKenzie offers our clients at a time when companies are facing an increasingly complex set of data and privacy challenges," said Pam Church, chair of the Firm's North America Intellectual Property and Technology Practice Group.
"Nick is a multifaceted law practitioner with years of experience guiding companies through practical compliance and the identification and mitigation of legal risk in the tech space. He will be a tremendous asset to Baker McKenzie's talented team of data and technology lawyers," added Baker McKenzie North America Chief Executive Officer Colin Murray.
Nick added, "I am looking forward to joining Baker McKenzie and working with the North America and Global teams to help clients address increasingly complex data privacy and security matters."
Baker McKenzie's leading team helps protect clients against cybersecurity threats by developing, managing and implementing data security policies, procedures and emergency plans. We assist in investigating data breaches, identifying reporting and notification obligations, and implementing strategies to minimize loss or damage. We also train company personnel on strategies and policies to minimize data security risks, respond to urgent data securities incidents, and represent clients in disputes and investigations following data security breaches.
Nick earned his BS in Computer Science from the University of Illinois College of Engineering and his JD from the Chicago-Kent College of Law.