Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is noted for its cyber expertise, in particular regulatory compliance investigations, risk assesments and data breach litigation. The firm’s multidisciplinary practice covers a full scope of transactional, regulatory, and SEC matters, as well as M&A due diligence, national security, and data governance. The group is primarily based in New York and is jointly led by New York-based Avi Gesser, who advises leading asset managers, broker-dealers, and insurers on AI governance and risk mitigation, and Erez Liebermann, an expert in incident response, high-impact investigations, and litigation. Co-head Luke Dembosky is based in Washington DC, well-versed in mitigating cyber risks, internal investigations, and regulatory defense. Jim Pastore is adept in a wide range of litigation involving data breaches, technology transfers, or trade secrets. Charu Chandrasekhar has a depth of experience assisting investment advisers, broker-dealers, and public companies on AI and cybersecurity governance and policies, while Henry Lebowitz focuses on the IP and technology aspects of M&A, capital markets, and corporate transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Debevoise & Plimpton’s privacy and cybersecurity practice stands out for its combination of deep regulatory expertise and highly practical, business‑focused advice.'
- 'The team is diverse in background and experience, including former regulators, seasoned litigators, and transactional specialists, which allows them to handle complex, cross‑border issues with clarity and confidence.'
- 'They are exceptionally responsive, collaborative, and adept at giving guidance that is both technically precise and operationally workable. While they sit at the higher end of the market, the value is evident in high‑stakes matters; they are exactly the team you want advising leadership or engaging with regulators.'
- 'The practice benefits from strong cross‑practice integration, thoughtful staffing, and deliberate investments in diverse talent, technology‑enabled workflows, and flexible approaches to client needs. ’
‘Erez Liebermann is a standout partner, my primary point of contact, and a standout advisor. Exceptionally practical, calm under pressure, and able to translate complex regulatory issues into clear, actionable steps. Brings deep experience from his government and in‑house background, which shows in how he approaches risk and regulatory strategy.'
- 'Charu Chandrasekhar is exceptional to work with. She brings a rare combination of deep SEC enforcement experience, strong technical fluency, particularly around AI, cybersecurity, and complex financial markets, and incredibly practical judgment. She is responsive, thoughtful, and able to distill complicated regulatory and litigation issues into clear, business‑oriented guidance.'
- 'What I appreciate most is Charu Chandrasekhar's ability to anticipate regulatory perspectives, a skill clearly grounded in her senior leadership roles at the SEC, and to give advice that is both strategic and workable.'
- 'Charu Chandrasekhar is a genuinely collaborative partner, and her experience with AI governance and Debevoise’s STAAR tools has been especially valuable as we navigate emerging regulatory frameworks. She is exactly the kind of person you want advising on sensitive, high‑stakes matters: sharp, steady, and deeply informed.'
Key clients
- American Express
- Bank Policy Institute
- Capital One
- Goodwin Procter
- Microsoft
- Prudential Financial
- Securities Industry Financial Markets Association
Work highlights
Advised Goodwin on its response to a nation-state cyber incident involving the compromise of employee email accounts, leading the containment and investigation efforts, and overseeing all regulatory and individual notifications
Advising the leading financial services trade associations (and their members) on the industry’s comment letter responses to multiple proposed regulations or other requests for comment. SIFMA consists of the leading financial services firms in the United States.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Luke Dembosky; Avi Gesser; Erez Liebermann
Other key lawyers
Jim Pastore; Charu Chandrasekhar; Henry Lebowitz