Holland & Knight Welcomes Attorneys Bart Huffman and Wendell Bartnick to the Data Strategy, Security & Privacy Group
HOUSTON (August 16, 2022) – Holland & Knight has expanded its Data Strategy, Security & Privacy (DSSP) group with the addition of Bart Huffman and Wendell Bartnick as partners in its Houston office. Prior to joining Holland & Knight, both attorneys were partners at Reed Smith.
Mr. Huffman has a systems engineering and intellectual property background and deep experience in privacy and cybersecurity matters and sophisticated technology transactions. He provides legal advice concerning a wide range of matters, particularly in the energy, healthcare, financial, transportation and other critical infrastructure sectors. Mr. Huffman leads engagements involving data, information and operational systems, and the internet, such as in connection with large-scale software as a service (SaaS) and other cloud-based implementations, ransomware and data breach response, technology vendor contracting and oversight, domestic and international privacy and cybersecurity compliance projects and programs, business intelligence and data analysis, terrestrial and satellite WiFi networks, software development and licensing, cyber risk allocation and models, and governance advice.
Mr. Bartnick has a computer science background and extensive experience advising on privacy compliance, data protection and security, technology (including artificial intelligence), security incident response and remediation, and tech product development and commercialization matters. He also drafts and negotiates information technology (IT)-related agreements, including software and cloud services agreements. He provides advice to clients across many industries, with particularly substantial experience in healthcare, advising providers, payers, medical device manufacturers, pharma and digital health participants.
"Bart and Wendell represent an excellent opportunity for the firm and the DSSP group to strengthen technology, privacy and cybersecurity capabilities for our clients in numerous industries," said Mark Melodia, head of the firm's Data Strategy, Security & Privacy Team. "We are confident their business acumen and legal skills will be in high demand as we continue our expansion in Texas and across the nation."
"I am highly enthusiastic about joining Holland & Knight and becoming part of an engaged and cohesive national team," said Mr. Huffman. "The firm's significant strength in the oil and gas, financial services and transportation industries, as well as many others, make it a perfect fit for me and my practice. I have seen the success the firm has had in the past year since its merger with Thompson & Knight in Texas, and I can't wait to be a part of it."
Mr. Huffman received a J.D. degree from The University of Texas School of Law and a B.S.E. degree with a certificate in Engineering and Management Systems from Princeton University. He is licensed to practice law in Texas, New York and California, and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He is also an International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Certified Information Privacy Professional – U.S. and Europe (CIPP/US and CIPP/E), a cybersecurity fellow at the Robert Strauss Center for International Security and Law, and an adjunct professor teaching U.S. and EU privacy at The University of Texas School of Law.
"I am excited to contribute to a strong and diverse Holland & Knight DSSP group that is on the rise with the strategic vision and internal support I believe will lead to a bright future. I look forward to working with my new colleagues across the firm, including in our Latin America offices," said Mr. Bartnick. "This move provides an outstanding opportunity to grow my tech and data practice in Texas and beyond."
Mr. Bartnick received a J.D. degree from George Mason University School of Law and a B.A. degree from Macalester College. He is admitted to practice law in Texas, Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.