Overview
International law firm McDermott Will & Emery is pleased to announce that Alexander (Alex) Southwell has joined as a partner in its Litigation Practice Group in New York. A leading technology-focused litigator and investigations lawyer, Alex defends against regulatory investigations from the Federal Trade Commission, state attorneys general, and other federal, state, and local regulators and criminal authorities. He joins from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, where he founded and led the firm’s Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Innovation Practice Group.
“Alex’s practice turbocharges our existing world class white-collar litigation, data privacy, and technology disputes practices,” said Steven Scholes, global head of McDermott’s Litigation Practice Group. “With a remarkable 30% growth for our white-collar team this year alone, we’re eager to continue delivering excellent results for our clients with our increased capabilities.”
Alex has consistently been recognized as a top lawyer for privacy and data security litigation and white-collar defense by Chambers USA, Legal 500 US, and The Best Lawyers in America. A former federal prosecutor for the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, he helps clients facing data breaches, security incidents, and cybercrimes. Alex advises on privacy and security risks related to data-driven product development and compliance with the full range of US and international privacy and data protection laws, as well as global regulatory strategies.
Additionally, Alex has extensive experience advising companies on US Securities and Exchange Commission rules regarding cybersecurity risk management and disclosures, including cybersecurity governance and board oversight, and the New York State Department of Financial Services cybersecurity regulation. He also maintains a robust white-collar practice, conducting high-profile internal investigations and compliance monitoring.
“I’m thrilled to join McDermott at this point in my career,” Alex said. “There is a powerful synergy between my practice and the Firm’s strong global litigation and technology platforms. I’ve always had so much respect for the lawyers at McDermott – I know them and have worked with them – and I’m very excited to partner with my new team.”
Alex’s arrival follows recent New York litigation hires, including Sagar Ravi, former chief of the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit at the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and Guy Singer, Franklin Monsour Jr., and Kelly Newsome, who joined the Firm’s white-collar team from Orrick earlier this year.
About McDermott
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,400 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
ABOUT McDERMOTT’S LITIGATION PRACTICE GROUP
McDermott’s team of more than 250 litigation and dispute resolution lawyers worldwide includes seasoned litigators, trial lawyers, mediators, arbitrators, appellate lawyers and former senior US prosecutors. We represent clients across every business segment in high-impact cases, government investigations and dispute resolution proceedings. Working seamlessly with colleagues spanning a variety of practice areas, our litigators take on emerging issues in virtually every industry (with a focus on healthcare, life sciences, accounting services, private equity and technology) to help clients stay a step ahead of potential risks. When needed, we also develop effective and cost-efficient solutions to address complex commercial disputes, consumer and data breach class actions, international arbitrations, deal and ERISA litigation, and other business challenges. Our nationally recognized US Supreme Court and appellate practice has successfully handled hundreds of appeals and is named on The National Law Journal’s Appellate Hot List. Known for “superb lawyering combined with practical, hands-on effort” (Chambers), our team is recognized globally in Chambers, Legal 500, Best Law Firms, Global Investigations Review GIR 100 and Global Arbitration Review GAR 100.
