Mark Melodia Named Leader of Holland & Knight’s Data Strategy, Security & Privacy Team
MIAMI (June 13, 2019) – Holland & Knight's managing Partner Steven Sonberg has appointed Mark Melodia to be the new head of the firm's Data Strategy, Security & Privacy Team. Prior to joining Holland & Knight in September 2018, Mr. Melodia was co-leader of the intellectual property, technology and data practice at a large international law firm. He also founded that firm's information technology, privacy and data security group, which he headed for several years. He is a partner in Holland & Knight's New York office.
"Mark is one of the most highly regarded data security and privacy lawyers in the country," said Mr. Sonberg. "I am confident that under his leadership our Data Strategy, Security & Privacy Team will realize even greater success."
Chambers USA recently ranked Mr. Melodia as one of the top four privacy and data security litigators in the United States. He has extensive experience litigating putative class actions and other "bet the company" lawsuits in the areas of data security and privacy, and financial products and practices, as well as other complex litigation including defamation. Mr. Melodia has defended more than 85 putative class actions arising from data breaches and other alleged consumer privacy violations, representing as lead defense counsel in multiple MDLs. He routinely represents clients responding to government privacy investigations before the Federal Trade Commission, the Office for Civil Rights, state attorneys general and the Department of Justice. This high-stakes work has often been accompanied by board and C-suite counsel. Mr. Melodia is a trusted advisor to global companies implementing data strategies, from weathering emerging privacy laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act to rethinking the structure of third-party data relationships.
"Mark is the go-to lawyer for companies facing the most sophisticated privacy issues, cyberattacks and data breaches," said Christopher G. Kelly, head of Holland & Knight's Litigation Section. "I can think of no one better qualified to lead our outstanding team of data lawyers."
"Holland & Knight has one of the country's top data teams for privacy and cyber matters," said Mr. Melodia. "This is an ideal place to grow a team because of the firm's deep client relationships and industry-specific experience in data-rich and regulation-heavy sectors such as healthcare, financial services, transportation, hospitality and technology. I am honored to be selected for this leadership role and look forward to working with the team to ensure that we continue to provide our clients with the highest level of comprehensive and strategic counsel as they address the ongoing and ever-evolving challenges of today's digital world."
About the Data Strategy, Security & Privacy Team: Holland & Knight's Data Strategy, Security & Privacy Team offers the full range of solutions companies need to operate in today's data-driven marketplace. The team has the broad set of litigation, legislative, legal, compliance, crisis management and technical experience required to develop holistic, tailored solutions for clients. The firm offers true one-shop capabilities with its full-service practice that addresses even the most complex cybersecurity and privacy issues.