Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Adds New Co-Leader of its Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Practice Group

WASHINGTON (August 2023) - Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney has continued its strategic growth with the addition of Michael McLaughlin in its Washington, DC office. McLaughlin joins the firm as a principal in its government relations section and will co-lead its cybersecurity and data privacy practice group.

“I am thrilled to have Michael join me as a co-leader of our cybersecurity and data privacy practice. He brings a rare depth of knowledge from his service as a Naval Intelligence Officer and his private sector legal experience,” said Sue Friedberg, co-leader of the cybersecurity and data privacy practice group. “Michael has been at the forefront of cybersecurity issues his entire career. He adds unmatched value to clients looking to understand cybersecurity and privacy risks and increase their preparedness, and to clients in need of guidance in responding to cybersecurity incidents.”

McLaughlin helps clients to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and the related legislative landscape. He will serve clients as both a lawyer and a government relations professional, combining his creativity, technical acumen and operational execution to build strategies that seek to achieve client objectives.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues at Buchanan to help our clients keep pace with the rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape,” said McLaughlin. “This is an issue that affects every industry, and it is critical for company leaders to have partners that understand the latest developments and technology.”

McLaughlin served in the United States Navy as a Naval Intelligence Officer for more than a decade. He spent his naval career leading and advising global technology-driven enterprises and multinational teams in solving complex national security challenges.

During his military career, McLaughlin served in multiple postings worldwide, including Senior Counterintelligence Advisor for United States Cyber Command and Chief of Counterintelligence and Human Intelligence for the Cyber National Mission Force where he directed all counterintelligence, human intelligence, and law enforcement operations, investigations, and support to the Department of Defense's global cyberspace operations.

McLaughlin co-authored the recently published book Battlefield Cyber: How China and Russia are Undermining our Democracy and National Security. He also devotes time to supporting non-profit organizations focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the cybersecurity community, including The Cyber Guild and Uniting Women in Cyber. He holds a Bachelor of Science from The United States Naval Academy and a juris doctorate from University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.