Christopher A. Ott, CIPP/US, former Supervisory Counterintelligence and Cyber Counsel to the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and most recently, a partner in private practice at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP advising clients on litigation and business strategy when facing data and privacy issues, has joined Rothwell Figg’s Privacy, Data Protection, and Cybersecurity practice as a partner in Washington, D.C.

At the DOJ for more than 13 years, Mr. Ott won more than 30 jury trials, conducted hundreds of sensitive investigations, including leading some of the largest white-collar investigations in DOJ history, and won dozens of oral arguments in federal appellate and trial courts throughout the U.S. In particular, he handled the hack of Yahoo by Russian intelligence operatives, the largest data breach in history, investigated and charged the largest known computer hacking and securities fraud scheme, and led the longest white-collar trial in the history of the Eastern District of New York, which ended with convictions on all counts. In his most recent role as Supervisory Counterintelligence and Cyber Counsel, Mr. Ott acted as lead counsel on multi-district and international cyber investigations involving state actors. He also served as Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of California, Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of New York, and Senior Trial Counsel in the Business and Securities Fraud Unit in the Eastern District of New York.

Mr. Ott entered private practice a few years ago, bringing with him his investigative skills and unique background in successfully litigating complex data security matters. He handles business disputes related to data security, privacy, blockchain, and AI issues. In private practice, Chris has successfully handled civil litigation and appeals, which has further bolstered his ability to handle complex data security and privacy litigation for technology and media clients.

“Chris’ impressive litigation experience in data and privacy perfectly bolster the advising strength of our current privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity practice,” stated E. Anthony Figg, co-founder and member of the firm. “Combined, we are able to confidently offer clients the full package, from designing and implementing policies, best practices, compliance programs, and incident response plans, to litigation and enforcement, in the unfortunate circumstance that it arises.”

“Experience with litigation in privacy and data is rare, and not only does Chris have the experience, but he has years of successful – and notable – litigation and investigations under his belt. Adding Chris and his knowledge from his government work to our practice is an incredible asset to our clients,” said Steven Lieberman, a shareholder in the firm’s practice.

“I am very excited to join the attorneys at Rothwell Figg, where they live and breathe technology and media litigation. I know that the team of eminent attorneys here will help me to bring an active, problem-solving mindset to data protection and privacy matters where clients could previously only find compliance and counselling advice,” stated Mr. Ott.

To learn more about Mr. Ott, his background, and his practice, please visit: https://www.rothwellfigg.com/professionals/ottc.