A Q&A with Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC

In the rapidly evolving cybersecurity field, the threat landscape is constantly shifting and becoming increasingly sophisticated. As cybercriminals adopt new tactics, it is essential to have a team that reflects a variety of perspectives and backgrounds to create comprehensive and innovative security solutions. Because cybersecurity impacts a wide range of industries and communities, it’s important to consider diver perspectives. Incorporating diverse viewpoints from underrepresented groups in tech helps ensure that organizations implement security measures that are both inclusive and effective in addressing the unique challenges faced by different sectors.

At Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, diversity is viewed as a valuable asset in addressing clients’ needs. The varied experiences, ideas, and perspectives of the firm’s attorneys enhance problem-solving capabilities and foster innovation. Research supports this belief. For instance, a study by digital intelligence company, Cloverpop, found that diverse teams outperform individuals in business decision-making processes up to 87% of the time. Additionally, a Deloitte report found that 83% of surveyed employees felt their ability to innovate increased when they believed their opinions were valued within the organization.

To provide sound legal counsel, attorneys must be able to see all sides of every story and case. Buchanan’s cybersecurity and data privacy attorneys discuss how varied perspectives enhance their ability to serve clients better.

1. What unique perspectives do individual team members bring to the cybersecurity and data privacy practice group?

Buchanan’s cybersecurity and data privacy team brings a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, with each member contributing unique strengths and insights. Many team members have backgrounds in various areas of law, including healthcare, litigation, insurance, common and civil law, corporate law, and mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, the team includes former military service members and educators, as well as professionals with international experience, providing a truly global perspective.

David Eapen, an associate in corporate law, states, “We represent clients in all sectors, from oil and gas to technology, and at all different stages, from startups to mature businesses. Our diverse perspectives and collective experience allow us to understand the different considerations for each industry and the different priorities of our clients.”

In action, this means that the team is able to combine a range of insights — from operations, regulatory compliance, risk management, and business strategy — to make better-informed decisions and develop multifaceted solutions. Team members also represent various cultures and speak multiple languages, enhancing their understanding and sensitivity to the diverse backgrounds of their clients.

2. How does diversity within the team help in anticipating and addressing specific client needs?

The wide range of life experiences represented within Buchanan’s cybersecurity and data privacy team enables them to address client needs holistically, considering not only legal aspects, but also the broader concerns of their clients. No matter the industry, the team has a deep understanding of the factors that drive clients’ decisions and goals.

“Our diversity improves client interactions by fostering empathy and understanding, which are crucial in building trust and delivering tailored legal solutions,” says Michael McLaughlin, co-leader of the firm’s cybersecurity and data privacy practice group.

Litigation shareholder Jennifer Oliver adds, “A diverse team always improves client outcomes. Understanding the viewpoints of opposing parties, opposing counsel, judges, juries and our clients requires a richness of perspectives within a team. When you can listen and understand, the client always benefits.”

3. How does a diverse team enhance problem-solving capabilities in cybersecurity and data privacy matters?

The ability to draw on a wide array of skills, knowledge, and networks is a significant advantage in addressing cybersecurity and data privacy challenges. For example, a client who experienced a cybersecurity breach affecting over a million individuals benefited from Buchanan’s extensive connections. One colleague’s relationships with law enforcement, combined with another’s network of digital forensics teams and eDiscovery firms, enabled the client to partner with organizations that aligned with their risk tolerance, resources, business goals, and budget.

This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances problem-solving capabilities but also allows Buchanan to foresee potential future issues that clients may encounter. Andria Adigwe, an associate in healthcare law, explains, “By fostering an inclusive atmosphere, we ensure that each of us feels safe bringing our opinions and suggestions to the table. There’s a mutual respect and trust we have established with one another — and we are able to lean on one another for our respective skills. For instance, individuals with a military background can assist a healthcare client in establishing resilient cybersecurity policies and procedures, while I ensure that these policies align with applicable healthcare laws and regulations.”

Research from the Harvard Business Review supports this, indicating that cognitively diverse teams find solutions more quickly by trading new ways of problem-solving.

“During the incident response process, our diversity of thought enables us to ask tailored questions based on the specific client needs,” says cybersecurity associate Tiffany Yeung.

Additionally, when addressing data privacy matters, “the criticality of privacy rights varies by community,” says Kurt Sanger, cybersecurity counsel. “For some, privacy rights are crucial to protecting their freedom. For others, privacy is rarely threatened and an afterthought. Our team at Buchanan represents the spectrum of human experience and evaluates the importance of privacy from multiple viewpoints.”

4. How does Buchanan promote diversity and inclusion?

Diversity and inclusion in tech are embedded in Buchanan’s culture. The firm is committed to advancing diversity within its walls and throughout the broader legal profession. This commitment is reflected in its intentional efforts to foster inclusion in the workplace, empower the talent pipeline, offer innovative educational programming, and support our local communities.

“The firm continuously seeks opportunities to attract diverse colleagues and clients. Importantly, the firm also looks for ways to help advance the professional development of each of our attorneys and professionals,” says Adigwe. “For example, this year, the firm enthusiastically supported my request to attend AfroTech, the biggest conference attracting Black tech professionals, investors, entrepreneurs and executives, and we intend to expand the firm’s presence there in the future.”

At Buchanan, a culture of inclusion is cultivated by ensuring employees are engaged and know they have a community within the firm. The seven affinity groups offer opportunities for mentoring, networking and development. At the same time, the team is encouraged to join external affinity bar associations and industry groups to build connections within local communities.

“Personally, I support non-profit organizations like The Cyber Guild and Uniting Women in Cyber to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the cybersecurity community,” says McLaughlin. “We also engage with our local communities through thoughtful programming, including webinars and our Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer’s podcast Dimensions of Diversity, which starts conversations and raises awareness on these important topics.”

Within the NetDiligence® community, Buchanan is establishing VetDiligence—a supportive network for military, law enforcement, and intelligence community veterans continuing the mission through cybersecurity. For additional information, contact Buchanan’s cybersecurity and data privacy team at cyber@bipc.com or visit www.bipc.com/cybersecurity-and-data-protection.

To learn more about Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney and other NetDiligence-authorized Breach Coach® law firms, visit this page for more information.

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