Sheppard

Privacy and Cybersecurity; Intellectual Property; Healthcare

Liisa Thomas is a recognized authority in privacy and cybersecurity law, serving as a go-to advisor for in-house counsel and C-suite executives at Fortune 500, multinational and global companies. Based in Chicago and London, she brings a practical, business-focused and cross-cultural approach to advising clients on privacy, cybersecurity, digital advertising and compliance law. She is co-leader of the Privacy and Cybersecurity team.

Recognized by both Chambers Global and Chambers USA (the latter with a nationwide ranking), Liisa is known for translating complex legal requirements—such as GDPR, CCPA, BIPA, TCPA and cross-border data transfer issues—into actionable strategies that protect enterprise value and manage risk.

Having lived in the Middle East, Europe and the U.S. and with an advanced degree in organizational change, Liisa is highly skilled in both translating business needs and cultures across borders and coordinating efforts across continents to protect data, assure compliance with all applicable regulations and advance business goals.

A sought-after keynote speaker and panelist, Liisa presents at leading privacy, cybersecurity and compliance conferences, as well as executive forums and legal seminars. She is recognized for delivering engaging, insightful presentations on emerging privacy regulations and best practices. Liisa is trainer for the International Association of Privacy Professionals and an adjunct professor at Northwestern University Law School, where she helps train the next generation of privacy professionals.

Liisa was the 2020 recipient of the Legacy Award from Illinois Legal Aid Online, an organization committed to access to justice. Beyond her legal practice, Liisa serves on the board of trustees of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and plays violin in the Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra, an ensemble of lawyers and judges.

Liisa is the managing partner of the firm’s Chicago office.

French

Training Advisory Board, International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)

Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO)

Chair, Negaunee Music Institute Board, CSO

Subcommittee Chair, INTA Building Bridges Committee, International Trademark Association

Member, International Association of Privacy Professionals

Member, Women’s Foodservice Forum

Adjunct Professor, Northwestern University School of Law

Member, Leading Lawyers Network

Violinist, Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra

J.D., University of Chicago, 1996

B.A., Haverford College, 1993