Edward J. McAndrew, a former federal cybercrime prosecutor with significant experience in private practice, has joined Ballard Spahr as a partner in the Philadelphia, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., offices, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.
Mr. McAndrew advises on cybersecurity, digital privacy, incident response, national security issues, digital speech and conduct, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and enforcement. He also works extensively on technology-facilitated investigations and litigation and was recently named a “Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Trailblazer” by the National Law Journal.
Mr. McAndrew served for nearly a decade as a federal cybercrime prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the District of Delaware. A National Security Cyber Specialist and Cybercrime Coordinator, he worked in every major area of technology-facilitated crime, including network intrusions; digital espionage; identity and intellectual property theft; financial, government contracting, and tax fraud; money laundering; export control violations; cyberstalking; obstruction of justice; online child exploitation; and terrorism.
“Our clients, regardless of size or industry, have significant and growing concerns about cybersecurity. Ed is one of just a handful of people who thoroughly understand the risks, and the steps necessary to minimize the risks, associated with cybercrime. His depth of understanding and first-hand experience are rare,” Mr. Stewart said. “Moreover, clients will find him approachable and truly focused on their needs. He is a wonderful addition to our Privacy and Data Security Group and the firm.”
Mr. McAndrew has handled a significant number of high-profile investigations, trials, and appeals—many of which involved cutting-edge legal and technological issues. Prior to joining the U.S. Department of Justice, he was a litigation partner and deputy practice leader in the Washington, D.C., office of an international law firm. He focused on civil and regulatory litigation and white collar investigations in industries such as media, chemical, education, energy, gaming, financial services, health care, insurance, retail, communications, and transportation.
“Privacy and data security issues are critically important to our clients. We are committed to remaining at the forefront of developments in this key area,” said Geoffrey A. Kahn, Chair of Ballard Spahr’s Litigation Department. “Ed has the skill and background we were looking for to add depth to our team. We are thrilled that he has joined us.”
Mr. McAndrew serves by appointment on the Delaware Supreme Court’s Commission on Law and Technology. As the leader of the Commission’s Data Security Working Group, he developed leading practices relating to cybersecurity and digital privacy for lawyers and legal services organizations. He writes and speaks frequently on legal issues related to cybersecurity, digital privacy, cybercrime, computer forensics, and Internet safety.
At Ballard Spahr, Mr. McAndrew is a member of the Litigation Department and Consumer Financial Services, Privacy and Data Security, and White Collar Defense/Internal Investigations Groups. Ballard Spahr is nationally recognized for excellence in consumer financial services and it has become the go-to firm for issues involving the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The Privacy and Data Security Group helps clients across the country navigate the many laws designed to safeguard health, financial, and other private information. Members of the White Collar Defense/Internal Investigations Group conduct internal investigations and represent clients facing government enforcement actions.
”From the malicious to the unintentional, cyber conduct raises some of the most sensitive and dynamic issues that organizations of all types must confront on a daily basis. Even outside of cyber incidents, every investigation is now a digital investigation,” said Mr. McAndrew. “Ballard Spahr has terrific Privacy and Data Security and Investigations practices and a great group of people throughout the firm. I’m looking forward to working with them to address the full range of cyber issues of concern to our clients.”
Source: www.ballardspahr.com
