BakerHosteler’s digital assets and data management practice has created a digital transformation and data economy team to step up the firm’s efforts to advise clients on the transition to a more technology-driven future.

The team will be co-led by Atlanta and Philadelphia-based partners Janine Anthony Bowen and Chad Rutkowski, and new hire Jeewon Kim Serrato, who joins from Norton Rose Fulbright in San Francisco, where she was head of US data protection, privacy and cybersecurity.

Ted Kobus, chair of the digital assets practice group, said: “This new team allows us to address a growing client need to develop and manage digital technology and data strategies in response to disruptions to their business—whether the company is changing its business model, seeking to gain market share or exiting an industry.”

He added: “Jeewon, Janine and Chad each bring different skills to the team’s leadership, enabling us to offer cross-practice support as our clients use new technology to drive innovation and revenue.”

The team will also include lawyers from the firm’s intellectual property practice group, helping clients protect their digital assets as well as supporting them on their digital transformation plans and how to maximise the value of their data.

Serrato, who will remain based in San Francisco, said: “Digital transformation and data strategies will be especially critical in a post-Covid-19 world as companies are constantly shifting to adjust to new ways of operating and dealing with market disruptions.”

Before her two-year spell at Norton Rose Fulbright, Serrato also had stints at Shearman & Sterling and Debevoise & Plimpton. She was also previously chief privacy officer at Fannie Mae.

Rutkowski said: “Jeewon understands the challenges that face companies in the midst of digital transformation. I am tremendously excited to have her join our team, and I know our combined experiences and insights will help our clients leverage their data and forge new paths through these extraordinary times.”

BakerHostetler, which opened its San Francisco office earlier this year, is not the only firm to be expanding its West Coast footprint. Last week King & Spalding hired 13 partners from Boies Schiller to bolster its litigation offering in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

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