Firm Continues to Enhance Privacy and Cybersecurity Offerings with Fifth North America Partner Hire in 2022
Global law firm Baker McKenzie announced today that Rachel Ehlers has joined as a Partner in the Firm's Intellectual Property and Technology Practice. She brings over a decade of both in-house and private practice leadership experience advising clients on data privacy and cybersecurity issues, data incident and breach response, and cross-border transfers.
Rachel represents clients throughout Texas and beyond in the development of data privacy and security programs to comply with regional and global statutory requirements, as well as sector-specific regulations. A recognized Privacy Law Specialist and Certified Information Privacy Professional by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), Rachel has led data security efforts and hundreds of incident responses for companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100s.
"Rachel’s experience with data privacy compliance and proactive and reactive cyber incident response is invaluable for our clients in this heightened risk environment," said Pamela Church, Chair of Baker McKenzie's North America Intellectual Property and Technology Practice. "Rachel will be a trusted adviser when the stakes are high and clients urgently need practical, nuanced guidance."
Added Brian Hengesbaugh, Chair of Baker McKenzie's Global Data Privacy and Security Business Unit, “Rachel will add further bench strength to our growing global team of leading privacy practitioners, enhancing our offerings to clients who face compliance with evolving global cybersecurity and data privacy regulations.”
Rachel has served in multiple in-house legal and compliance roles throughout her career, including chief compliance officer and chief privacy officer. She has lived and worked throughout Europe, Asia and South America developing global privacy and security programs, as well as providing guidance and training to multi-national companies.
“With a broad range of experience advising clients on their data privacy and cybersecurity concerns, Rachel is an outstanding addition to Baker McKenzie, as we continue to build a market-leading cybersecurity team in North America and around the world,” said Colin Murray, the Firm's North America Chief Executive Officer. “Our clients frequently cite cybersecurity as among their chief business concerns, which are underscored by increasing cyber regulation and enforcement. Rachel's background both in private practice and in-house has given her the nuanced perspective that our clients are seeking."
Rachel is the fifth data privacy and cybersecurity lawyer to join Baker McKenzie in North America since January 2022, and is the latest addition to the global team. New partners to join the group this year include:
- Former Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. in New York
- Former Cybercrime Prosecutor Elizabeth Roper in New York
- Data Security Partner Nicholas Merker in Chicago
- IP Technology Transactions and Privacy Lawyer Cynthia Cole in Palo Alto
- Data and Technology Partner Vinod Bange in London
Baker McKenzie’s robust cybersecurity and data privacy teams help protect clients against cybersecurity threats by developing, managing and implementing data security policies, procedures and emergency plans. The group assists with investigating data breaches, identifying reporting and notification obligations, and implementing strategies to minimize loss or damage. They also train company personnel on strategies and policies to minimize data security risks, respond to urgent data security incidents, and represent clients in disputes and investigations following data security breaches.
Added Rachel, “I am thrilled to join Baker McKenzie and look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the Firm to build customized solutions for our clients’ ongoing data privacy and cybersecurity needs.”
Rachel joined the Firm from Baker Botts where she was Special Counsel. She earned her BS from Texas A&M University, her MA in International Affairs from the University of Kent and her JD from the University of Texas School of Law.