William J. Roberts

William J. Roberts is a nationally-recognized data privacy and cybersecurity advisor to businesses, nonprofit organizations, government entities, and families worldwide. He is a Partner at the firm, co-chair of the firm's data privacy and cybersecurity practice, and an Adjunct Professor of data privacy law at the University of Connecticut School of Law.

William is the recipient of numerous accolades and recognition. He is ranked in Chambers USA* (Chambers and Partners), which quotes clients who recommend him "for his expertise in privacy and data security." Chambers USA* also notes that he is "sought out for his handling of data breach investigations" and "GDPR and HIPAA compliance." He has been recognized as a Fellow of Information Privacy with the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) and was honored with a "Thought Leadership (US) Award" at the WealthTech Americas Awards for his work on cybersecurity issues for family offices. Among other honors, he is the recipient of both the Distinguished Leaders Award and the James W. Cooper Fellowship from the Connecticut Bar Association.

William's practice is dedicated to assisting clients in navigating complex data privacy and cybersecurity laws and requirements in a practical and thoughtful manner and representing clients in the face of a data breach or government investigation. As part of a team of data privacy and cybersecurity professionals, he aims to facilitate his client's growth and success.

Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Compliance

As a Certified Information Privacy Professional, William advises a wide variety of organizations on data privacy and cybersecurity compliance, including insurers, family offices, educational institutions, financial firms, technology companies, and manufacturers. He works with these organizations on the development of data privacy compliance programs, the handling of confidential business and employee data, the launch of new products and services, and in collaborations with third parties.

He has particular experience with advising organizations on health care privacy (e.g. HIPAA), employee privacy, educational privacy (e.g. FERPA), biometric privacy, and children's privacy (e.g. COPPA). He also has extensive experience assisting national and international clients on compliance with constantly-evolving consumer data privacy laws, including state laws (e.g. California Consumer Privacy Act, the Connecticut Data Privacy Act), requirements of the Federal Trade Commission, and the European Union's Global Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Data Breaches and Government Investigations

William advises clients on the development of plans and protocols to prevent, detect, and respond to data breaches, including insider threats, ransomware events, and the misuse of sensitive. He also consults with clients on data breach training, mock exercises, and vendor management. When breaches do occur, William guides clients through the entire life cycle of the incident from discovery to remediation. He advises clients on data breach assessment, mitigation, and notification to individuals and government entities. He provides representation during investigations before or in connection with state and federal governmental and law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Trade Commission, and state attorneys general.

Technology Privacy and Security

William has extensive experience advising clients on the data privacy and security implications of new technology products and services. He works with organizations on the launch of health information exchanges, 'Internet of Things' (IoT) devices, mobile apps, medical devices, software products, biometric devices, and more. He works with these clients on the development of data privacy policies and procedures, privacy by design processes, risk management, data handling practices, and customer and vendor contracting.

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