Andy Serwin

Partner - Global Privacy and Data Security Practice Group, Morrison & Foerster LLP

Andrew B. Serwin is a partner in the Global Privacy and Data Security Practice Group at Morrison & Foerster LLP’s San Diego and Washington, D.C. offices. Mr. Serwin has handled a number of high-profile privacy and consumer protection matters, including multiple privacy enforcement matters before the Federal Trade Commission, and is internationally recognized as one of the leading consumer protection and privacy lawyers. Mr. Serwin advises a number of Fortune 500 and emerging companies regarding global privacy compliance and technology transactions, with particular emphasis on: international compliance; health care; mobile; behavioral advertising; ECPA and wiretap issues; electronic marketing concerns; security incidents; social media; and compliance with FTC requirements. He has provided advice to companies in a diverse set of industries, including: financial services; health; retail; data brokers; online businesses; hospitality; utilities; and insurance. Mr. Serwin also has unique experience in representing emerging companies because he founded an online political magazine, and serves on the advisory boards of emerging companies. Mr. Serwin also has extensive litigation and enforcement experience, having served as lead counsel in a number of FTC matters, matters before the Office of Civil Rights, and consumer protection and privacy litigation matters based upon the alleged misuse of personal information, including class actions and enforcement matters brought by state attorneys general. He is recognized by Chambers USA as one of the top privacy and data security attorneys nationwide (2009–2013). Chambers USA 2013 notes that Mr. Serwin “attracts praise for his consultative and strategic approach to complex matters.” He was described by clients as “a tireless worker, holding onto the ever-shifting puzzle pieces of the law in this area in a way that other privacy lawyers cannot,” and noted as “an excellent privacy lawyer, a real expert in the field,” by Chambers Global 2012. The Legal 500 recognized Mr. Serwin as a Leading Lawyer in data protection and privacy (2010–2012); clients stated that he “understands business concerns and provides practical, to-the-point advice.” Mr. Serwin serves as executive director of the Lares Institute, a think tank focused on information management issues. He is also a member of the advisory team of the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Asymmetric Warfare; general counsel of the RIM Council of the Ponemon Institute, LLC; a member of the International Advisory Council of APCO Worldwide (a group of more than 60 recognized global leaders and policy experts). Mr. Serwin has written a number of books, including the leading treatise on privacy, “Information Security and Privacy: A Guide to Federal and State Law and Compliance,” and “Information Security and Privacy: A Guide to International Law and Compliance,” (West 2005-2013) Mr. Serwin received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1995, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif.