Focusing his practice on intellectual property transactions, regulatory schemes, and privacy and consumer protection law, Alan Friel is a thought leader regarding convergence legal issues – the property, liability, and regulatory implications at the evolving intersections between media, marketing, technology, distribution, commerce, big data and communication brought about by the ongoing digital revolution. Alan represents clients in acquisitions, financing, distribution, development, publishing and financing transactions, especially in cases where complex intellectual property and regulatory concerns exist. Having served as a general counsel for several years before returning to private practice in 2001, Alan understands how to give practical advice to business people and how to help them make informed business decisions. He brings the experience and foresight necessary to help companies and entrepreneurs navigate the compelling yet complex opportunities that disruptive technology creates. Alan also coordinates the firm's Retail and e-Commerce industry initiative, and co-leads the firm’s U.S. Consumer Privacy practice that counsels clients on compliance with the new California Consumer Privacy Act and other data privacy regimes. Notably, he has provided pro bono consulting services to the International Association of Privacy Professionals, drafting, reviewing and editing their California Consumer Privacy Act training materials for privacy officers and lawyers.
Alan has been contributing to the development of the legal and business paradigms of cyberspace since the days of CD-ROM and bulletin board services, and negotiated the first experimental Internet production agreements with traditional Hollywood talent unions—SAG, DGA and WGA—in the 1990s. Alan remains on the cutting edge of emerging media, crafting alliances between TV producers and distributors and online services, as well as between big brands, social game publishers and "app" developers. A sought-after speaker and counselor regarding the practical application of substantive legal issues, Alan is affiliated with UCLA as an assistant professor in a multidisciplinary project at the Graduate School of TV, Film and Digital Media, and is an adjunct professor at Loyola Marymount School of Law. Alan has been ranked among the Top Rated Lawyers in Technology by American Lawyer Media, distinguished by Best Lawyers in America© for advertising law, recognized by Legal 500 in its rankings for Technology, Media and Telecom Technology/Data Protection and Privacy, as well as Advertising and Marketing (Transactional and Regulatory), and named one of the Most Influential Lawyers in Digital Media and E-Commerce Law in the Los Angeles Business Journal. He has also been named a "Recognized Practitioner" by Chambers USA for Nationwide Advertising (Transactional and Regulatory).