DLA Piper adds privacy and cybersecurity leader Rena Mears in San Francisco

May 17, 2016
Mears joins firm's Global Data Protection, Privacy, and Security practice

May 6, 2016 – DLA Piper announced today that Rena Mears, former national and global leader of Deloitte’s privacy and data protection services and, more recently, managing director at BuckleySandler LLP, has joined the firm’s Global Data Protection, Privacy, and Security practice as a principal in the San Francisco office.

Mears’ arrival expands the firm’s depth and breadth of services in the rapidly evolving areas of data protection and cybersecurity. Mears will work closely with lawyers in DLA Piper’s global Data Protection, Privacy and Security group – highly rated by Chambers and Legal 500 – to augment the firm’s service offerings in privacy and cybersecurity assessments, program and control design, data mapping, and program and vendor-risk management. The expanded privacy and cybersecurity consulting capabilities will leverage methodologies, technologies and tools designed to deliver reporting and actionable recommendations necessary for DLA Piper clients to manage data risk.

Mears is a highly respected leader in the field with more than 25 years of experience advising global companies in financial services, hospitality, technology, pharma, biotechnology, and consumer products on data-risk, privacy, cybersecurity and information security matters. She has built and led teams with diverse skillsets to manage information assets in the evolving global market. She has also helped organizations design and implement operational programs, processes, and controls to mitigate privacy and cybersecurity risks and respond to threats and compliance requirements affecting companies.

“An evolving regulatory landscape, growing consumer awareness, and an exponentially increasing amount of information means that data can be a company’s greatest asset and a major source of risk,” said Washington, DC-based Jim Halpert, co-chair of the firm’s Global Data Protection, Privacy, and Security practice. “Rena is a star in her field and brings DLA Piper a suite of services to help clients build strong privacy and security programs and address data risk anywhere in the world.”

"The high sanctions of the newly adopted European Data Protection Regulation are driving businesses to carefully craft global privacy compliance programs,” said Patrick Van Eecke, Brussels based co-chair of the firm’s Global Data Protection, Privacy, and Security practice. “Rena’s hands-on experience will be of great added value to the team and our clients.".

Mears earned her M.B.A. from Auburn University and her B.A. from the University of Albuquerque. She holds the following/certifications: CISSP, CIPP, CISA, CITP. She also is a CPA in Alabama.