Venable LLP is pleased to announce that D. Reed Freeman Jr. has joined the firm as a partner in the eCommerce, Privacy, and Cybersecurity Practice in the Washington, DC office. Mr. Freeman’s practice is focused on privacy, cybersecurity, and the privacy aspects of advertising online, on mobile devices, in social media, and on connected devices.

Mr. Freeman has extensive experience defending clients in FTC and state consumer protection investigations and data breach responses. He also counsels clients on compliance with FTC and state trade regulations and state privacy and data security laws, including counseling on compliance with California’s Privacy Protection Act (CCPA), privacy and data security compliance around the globe, and advertising and privacy self-regulatory codes. In addition to developing globally compliant privacy policies and programs, Mr. Freeman assists clients in M&A privacy work; in contract negotiations, including between publishers and advertisers; and in connection with applications for membership in industry trade groups. He also represents clients in false advertising disputes before the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. (CBBB) and the National Advertising Review Board (NARB). Prior to joining Venable, Mr. Freeman served as the co-chair of the cybersecurity and privacy and big data practices at an international law firm. He previously worked in the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection as a staff attorney, and as chief privacy officer and vice president for legislative and regulatory affairs for an online advertising software company.

Stuart P. Ingis, chairman of Venable and co-chair of the eCommerce, Privacy, and Cybersecurity Practice, said, “We are excited to add another experienced and well-respected privacy attorney to our practice and our firm. Reed joins and strengthens a nationally recognized team that helps clients at the forefront of data privacy and technology navigate complex regulatory, compliance, and enforcement challenges. He will make a strong addition to the firm, particularly at the intersection of our privacy and advertising practices.”

Emilio W. Cividanes, co-chair of the eCommerce, Privacy, and Cybersecurity Practice, said: “Many of us have known Reed for a long time and have high regard for him and his accomplishments in the privacy and advertising arena. We are pleased to welcome him to our team, where he will enhance Venable’s robust services and support for our clients.”

Commenting on his move to Venable, Mr. Freeman said, “Venable’s eCommerce, Privacy, and Cybersecurity Practice is world class, and especially so with respect to the intersection of privacy and advertising. The clients I have been fortunate to serve for many years will benefit from the firm’s experience and very deep and impressive bench.”

Mr. Freeman received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1993, and his B.A. in History from the University of Richmond in 1990.

Venable LLP is an American Lawyer Global 100 law firm headquartered in Washington, DC that serves as primary counsel to a worldwide clientele of large and mid-sized organizations, nonprofits, high-net-worth entrepreneurs, and other individuals. With more than 850 professionals across the country, including California, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC, the firm strategically advances its clients' objectives in the U.S. and around the globe. Venable, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary, advises clients on a broad range of business and regulatory law, legislative affairs, complex litigation, and the full range of intellectual property disciplines. For more information, please visit https://www.venable.com.