Overview
Jon Hawk is an accomplished commercial litigator who focuses his international practice on technology, internet and online platform law. In the rapidly changing legal and technological landscapes, Jon helps his clients navigate multinational, multidisciplinary and complex civil litigation matters. His successful representations include disputes involving intermediary liability, privacy and defamation, unfair competition, consumer protection, contractual obligations, intellectual property and free speech, among other fundamental rights.
Across a wide range of industries, Jon represents clients in consumer class actions, company governance, fiduciary duty and contract disputes. He has extensive experience defending companies against putative nationwide class actions, including those alleging unsolicited text messages and voice calls in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Jon has also handled US and international litigation for global platforms, including matters implicating privacy, free speech, intermediary liability, unfair competition, intellectual property and consumer protection laws.
In addition to litigation, Jon regularly advises on regulatory, legislative, product and related policy issues that impact online platform companies. He has led complex mass actions before the highest civil and constitutional courts on novel issues regarding the rights of consumer-facing platforms and their users.
Results
- Represented online platforms in numerous litigations and product matters involving the Stored Communications Act and Communications Decency Act, Section 230*
- Successfully represented an online platform in a putative consumer class action alleging claims under federal and state wiretap laws*
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a group text messaging service and smartphone application provider in defense of a putative nationwide class action filed on behalf of individuals alleging they received unsolicited text messages in violation of the TCPA*
- Obtained motion to dismiss on all claims on behalf of a national fitness club in a putative class action alleging the club’s membership agreement violated certain New Jersey consumer protection statutes*
- Obtained a complete defense award, an award of damages on counterclaims, and an award of fees and costs in two JAMS arbitrations*
- Obtained summary judgement on behalf of a real estate investment company founder and executive in a shareholder dispute alleging fraud claims*
- Represented an investment company and individual shareholders in a shareholder dispute and derivative action, prosecuting fraud and dissolution claims*
*Matter handled prior to joining McDermott
Credentials
Education
University of California Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), JD, 2007
University of Richmond, BA, 2004
Admissions
California
Courts / Agencies
US District Court for the Central District of California
US District Court for the Northern District of California
US District Court for the Southern District of California
US District Court for the Eastern District of California
