News
CARY, NC—A record crowd attended Womble Bond Dickinson attorney Allen O’Rourke’s presentation “The Internet and Cybercrime for Lawyers” to members of the Association of Corporate Counsel’s Research Triangle Area Chapter.
O’Rourke, a former US Department of Justice cybercrime prosecutor, discussed how to handle a cyberattack and how corporate counsel can identify and analyze issues of cybersecurity law. The Aug. 28 presentation took place at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, and attracted more than 200 in-house attorneys and ACC members.
His presentation taught key concepts of internet technology and cybersecurity, so that attorneys without training in computer science can understand and communicate effectively about legal issues related to cyberattacks. Drawing on a recent cyberattack that he helped a client overcome, O’Rourke explained how to handle cybersecurity incidents and conduct the applicable legal analysis. In particular, he highlighted key lessons and practical takeaways for corporate counsel. O’Rourke also discussed the evolving landscape of cybersecurity law and what to expect in the future regarding data breach litigation and government enforcement.
O’Rourke gave a similar presentation to ACC members in Charlotte on July 11, and is scheduled to speak to ACC members in the Triad at a Sept. 5 event in Womble Bond Dickinson’s Greensboro office. Womble Bond Dickinson Marketing & Client Resources Manager Alexandra Orr provided support for the event.
Allen O’Rourke co-chairs the Privacy and Cybersecurity Team at Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, and is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US, CIPP/E). He leads cyber investigations, helps clients respond to data breaches, and represents clients facing regulatory actions, consumer litigation, and business disputes arising out of cybersecurity incidents. Allen also provides guidance on privacy and data protection, digital advertising and analytics, cybersecurity preparedness, and legal aspects of computer network defense. Prior to joining Womble, O’Rourke was a cybercrime prosecutor who helped lead the Cyber Unit at the US Attorney’s Office in Washington, DC, where he received two Special Achievement Awards for his work to combat cybercrime.
