Nicholas R. Merker
Biography
Nicholas ("Nick") Merker is a member of Baker McKenzie's North America Intellectual Property & Technology Practice, which provides clients with a full suite of data privacy and cyber services.
Having a ten-year background in technology as a systems, network and security engineer prior to his law career, Nick advises clients on identifying and mitigating legal risk, offering practical solutions rooted in deep understanding of the technology and new media.
He is a sought-after international speaker, teacher, writer and professor on data security and privacy-related legal issues.
Nick is Faculty at the International Association of Privacy Professionals where he leads global privacy trainings to executives, engineers, lawyers and managers. He also teaches a Data Security and Privacy Law course at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.
Practice Focus
Nick's practice focuses on privacy and cybersecurity, particularly in the healthcare and technology industries. His substantive technical experience, experience with the HIPAA Rules, and deep understanding of information security and privacy regulators' expectations, allows Nick to efficiently guide clients on compliance with emerging laws, regulatory oversight and obligations created through contract.
Additionally, over the last five years, Nick has acted as a data breach coach in more than 250 security incidents.
Professional Honors
- Illinois Super Lawyer, Rising Star, Intellectual Property, 2018-2019
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT)
- IAPP Privacy Section Advisory Board, Member
- U.S. Secret Service Chicago Electronic Crimes Task Force
- Indiana University Cybersecurity Advisory Council
- International Association of Privacy Professionals, Faculty
- IAPP KnowledgeNet Chair, Indianapolis
- (ISC)²
- Video Game Bar Association
Admissions
- Illinois~United States
- Indiana~United States
Education
- Chicago-Kent College of Law (IIT) (2010)
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science) (2005)
Languages
- English