Overview
David P. Saunders (CIPP/US, CIPM) is an experienced litigator who focuses his practice on privacy and cybersecurity matters. David helps clients through the life cycle of their data privacy needs. He helps them mitigate and manage risks related to data privacy and cybersecurity by assisting their government affairs teams with the development of new privacy legislation, their legal and compliance teams through the implementation of privacy programs, and their litigation teams through regulatory investigations and civil class action litigations.
David has represented dozens of companies across industries in connection with civil litigation and pre-suit demands related to a wide-array of privacy-related litigation. Whether related to website tracking technologies, fallout from a data breach, biometric data collection, or claims of unfair and deceptive trade practices, David has experience successfully resolving litigation matters for clients.
David has worked with a number of state attorney general’s offices and federal regulators, and advocated on behalf of clients in the AdTech, telecommunications, healthcare, and financial services sectors in response to routine inquiries as well as civil investigations. His work also includes collaborating with clients to provide testimony and comment on existing and planned data privacy legislation and regulation at the state and federal levels.
David has experience in all aspects of privacy program implementation, from conducting risk assessments and drafting privacy policies to planning around cross-border data transfers and negotiating vendor agreements. He regularly counsels on GDPR, GLBA, CCPA, CAN-SPAM, and the growing list of state privacy laws and regulations. David also regularly performs due diligence for corporate transactions.
David maintains an active pro bono practice, having represented inmates in various actions in state and federal courts, and providing privacy program development, counseling, and training to nonprofits.
Results
- Represented numerous companies in consumer class action in the wake of publicly announced data breaches
- Represented a wide array of companies in the successful resolution of website tracking civil litigations and arbitrations
- Represented AdTech companies in Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state regulator public and non-public investigation
- Represented companies across multiple industries in connection with state attorney general investigations related to compliance with state privacy laws
- Represented health-related companies in investigations by the FTC and the US Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights associated with their data security and compliance programs
- Represented companies in consumer class actions brought pursuant to the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act
- Represented clients in technology, healthcare, and across a broad spectrum in a multinational data incident response
- Counseled major energy companies and entertainment companies with respect to their CCPA readiness and general privacy compliance programs
- Worked with a major university on its GDPR compliance programs
- Counseled medical technology companies on the cross-border transfer of personal data around the globe
- Worked with clients in the healthcare, life sciences, food and alcohol, human resources, and telecommunications arenas to develop privacy and compliance programs
- Conducted privacy and cybersecurity due diligence for private equity companies in their acquisition and sales of data analytic, medical research, healthcare, and media companies
- Represented a startup drone delivery service in the development of its HIPAA and privacy programs
Recognitions
- Legal 500 US, 2024-2025
- Global Data Review, 40 Under 40, 2021
- International Municipal Lawyers Association Amicus Service Award, 2021
- Illinois Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2014-2020
- Illinois Super Lawyer, Civil Litigation: Defense, 2020
Community
- International Association of Privacy Professionals, member
- University of Virginia School of Law Alumni Council, president
- Field Museum, Founders’ Council advisor
- Illinois State Bar Association, Privacy and Information Security Law Committee, former chair and vice-chair, member
- Seventh Circuit Bar Association Board of Governors, former president
- Cabrini Green Legal Aid, former director and chair
- Leadership Greater Chicago, 2018 fellow
Credentials
Education
University of Virginia School of Law, JD, 2007
University of Chicago, BA, 2004
Admissions
Illinois
Maine
Courts/Agencies
US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois – Trial Bar
