Latham & Watkins LLP1 is pleased to announce the addition of Robert Blamires, who joined the firm’s San Francisco office and is a member of the Technology Transactions Practice. Qualified in the US, England and Wales, and Ireland, Blamires’ deep capabilities in data privacy law enhances Latham’s ability to help clients understand and prepare for the legal implications of multi-jurisdictional privacy laws, including the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), forthcoming developments to US privacy laws, and global data breach notification standards.

Blamires brings 15 years of experience advising clients on cutting-edge regulatory compliance such as data privacy, consumer protection, and online/mobile payments and commerce; complex IT/IP contracts and other transactional matters; and associated cross-border and multi-jurisdictional issues. His client base represents a wide range of sectors, particularly technology, including social media, fintech, healthtech, and other data-driven industries, as well as media, telecommunications, and retail. Blamires also has deep insight pertaining to European regulatory enforcement, having spent two years on a secondment at the UK’s consumer protection regulatory agency.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rob to the firm, particularly in the Bay Area where our innovative clients regularly seek our counsel in navigating the complexities of the rapidly changing laws governing data and proprietary technologies,” said San Francisco Office Managing Partner Kirt Switzer. “Rob’s experience aligns with the growing needs of the companies we serve and his command of both US and EU data privacy law makes him a great asset for our clients.”

“Privacy and security regulations no longer respect borders and are evolving at an increasingly fast pace,” added Michael Rubin, a San Francisco-based partner and driving force in the firm’s Data Privacy & Security practice. “Few people have Rob’s first-hand experience of advising clients both on the GDPR and on complex issues of US privacy law, experience that will benefit our clients’ business-critical legal considerations regarding US, European and cross-border data privacy issues. We’re looking forward to having him on our team as a resource for our clients all around the world.”

“Latham’s ability to seamlessly service clients across the globe is a unique asset for companies seeking to navigate the complex network of overlapping data privacy regulations,” said Blamires. “Now, with the opportunity to tap into the firm’s global platform and collaborate with Latham’s highly regarded data privacy and technology transactions teams, I’m very much looking forward to delivering approaches that are as innovative as the clients I serve.”

Blamires joins Latham from White & Case LLP. He completed his LL.B. (Law with American Law) at the University of Nottingham, with a year at the University of Texas. He is a Solicitor of England and Wales, is admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in Ireland, and is a member of the State Bar of California. He is also an International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Fellow of Information Privacy, Certified Information Privacy Professional for the US private sector (CIPP/US), the US government (CIPP/G) and Europe (CIPP/E), Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), and Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT).

About Latham & Watkins
Latham & Watkins delivers innovative solutions to complex legal and business challenges around the world. From a global platform, our lawyers advise clients on market-shaping transactions, high-stakes litigation and trials, and sophisticated regulatory matters. Latham is one of the world’s largest providers of pro bono services, steadfastly supports initiatives designed to advance diversity within the firm and the legal profession, and is committed to exploring and promoting environmental sustainability.

www.lw.com