Particularly active in the healthcare and digital marketing sector, McDermott Will & Schulte is adept in handling sophisticated privacy compliance programs, product develoment and launch. The firm’s capabilities extend to FTC investigations, cyber incident response, and global regulatory compliance, to ransomware and consumer protection investigations and litigation. Practice head Michael Morgan splits his time between Los Angeles and San Francisco, providing comprehensive cybersecurity and privacy expertise, including global compliance, national security-related data breaches, and cybersecurity assessments to consumer privacy and deceptive privacy cases. Daniel Gottlieb in Chicago assists life sciences firms, healthcare providers, and vendors on Medicare regulations, interoperability laws, and information blocking regulations adopted under the 21st Century Cures Act. Boston-based Edward Zacharias is well-versed in healthcare-related product counselling, disclosure strategies, and cybersecurity incident response. New York-based Alexander Southwell is a seasoned technology-focused litigator and investigations attorney, focusing on data breach, cybercrime, and security incident disputes. In Washington DC, Elliot Golding advises highly regulated financial, health, and automotive sector clients on complex tracking technology, data monetization issues, and AI risk management.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘McDermott Will & Schulte consistently delivers clear, practical legal advice grounded in a real-world understanding of technology. The lawyers are deeply experienced and, just as importantly, exercise strong judgment about what matters and what does not. Their advice is accurate, actionable, and focused on enabling real-world decision-making.’
‘Alexander Southwell understands both the technical aspects of cyber incidents and what regulators actually prioritize, which results in him delivering incident-response advice that is decisive, calm, and operationally usable.'
‘McDermott Will & Schulte is distinguished by its practical, business-focused approach to privacy and cybersecurity matters. The team combines strong regulatory knowledge with an ability to address complex technical and risk considerations, enabling clear, actionable guidance for sophisticated client engagements.'
- 'The team integrates seamlessly into client projects, providing responsive, collaborative support that enhances delivery and outcomes. Compared to other firms, the practice stands out for its accessibility, pragmatic mindset, and consistent ability to translate complex privacy and cybersecurity issues into solutions clients can readily implement.’
‘Alexander Southwell brings a thoughtful, steady approach to complex privacy and cybersecurity matters, consistently delivering clear, actionable guidance we can rely on in client work. His strategic perspective, responsiveness, and collaborative style make him a trusted advisor, particularly on high-stakes engagements.’
‘I have been very impressed by the level of service provided by the firm and their breadth and depth of expertise across privacy and where there are intersections with other related practices such as corporate structures.’
Key clients
- Caterpillar Inc.
- Herbalife
- National Spine and Pain Centers
- Riviana Foods
Work highlights
Advising a global health and wellness community on a wide range of global data privacy and marketing compliance topics, including integration of a new blood testing business line, privacy notice updates, and management of biometric, genetic, and children’s privacy issues.
Advising a leading global heavy equipment manufacturer on the deployment of its AI-powered autonomous mining vehicles and other AI-driven technologies, including drafting detailed terms and conditions addressing data security, liability, and intellectual property issues.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Michael Morgan
Other key lawyers
Daniel Gottlieb; Edward Zacharias; Alexander Southwell; Elliot Golding