As a thought leader in the areas of digital media, intellectual property, and privacy and consumer protection law, Alan Friel applies three decades of relevant experience to address the intersection of law and technology. Consistently on the forefront of the ongoing digital revolution, he co-leads the firm’s U.S. Consumer Privacy practice, which counsels clients on compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and other data privacy regimes, as well as the Firm’s retail, restaurant and e-commerce industry initiative.
Having served as a general counsel for several years in the 1990s before returning to private practice, Alan is able to advise clients on making practical and informed business decisions, and help companies and entrepreneurs navigate the complex opportunities that disruptive technology creates. He has extensive experience assisting clients with creating data inventories, and information governance and data privacy and securities programs; developing and implementing policies and procedures for providing consumer data privacy transparency, choice and access; drafting and negotiating privacy and data security provisions for commercial contracts; evaluating privacy impact assessments; advising on data privacy and security issues in merger and acquisitions transactions; drafting and/or revising external and internal privacy and data security policies and procedures; and addressing complex intellectual property and consumer protection issues related to digital media, advertising and commerce.
Remaining on the cutting edge of emerging media, Alan advises content producers and distributors and online services, as well as big brands, social game publishers, and app developers and publishers. He has a deep understanding of tech, and advises publishers, advertisers and ad tech companies on related legal issues. He also works closely on behalf of clients with their trade organizations, such as the Internet Advertising Bureau. 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.