Erik Harssema joins DLA Piper's Data Protection, Privacy and Security practice in New York

DLA Piper announced today that Erik Harssema has joined the firm’s Data Protection, Privacy and Security practice as a managing director in the New York office.

Harssema has extensive experience in cyber response, investigations, threat intelligence, privacy, computer crime and forensics. He focuses on the financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, insurance and consumer market industries and has experience in both professional services and industry positions, including seven years leading cyber response and investigations at two major US airlines.

Harssema has consulted on a broad range of matters relating to cybersecurity, incident response, computer forensics, privacy, operational application audits, software/application development and electronic discovery. He advises clients on effective strategies to mitigate risk exposure, bolster defensibility and reduce the costs associated with cyber response, forensics and information management. Harssema also assists clients with investigations, litigation and regulatory inquiries resulting from security breaches.

“Erik’s strong cybersecurity background will bolster our ability to advise on a broad spectrum of data privacy and data security issues,” said Andrew Serwin, global co-chair and US chair of DLA Piper’s Cybersecurity and Data Protection, Privacy and Security practices. “His skillset will enable us to deliver a valuable suite of legal, advisory, assessment and risk management services to clients seeking to protect themselves from cybersecurity threats.”

Other recent additions who have expanded the firm’s privacy and cybersecurity capabilities include partners Ronald Plesco in Philadelphia, Marius Domokos and Michael Hazzard in Washington, DC, Scott Weber in New York and Edward McAndrew in Wilmington, as well as Serwin in San Diego.

Harssema, who previously served as director of cyber services at KPMG International, received his B.B.A. from Texas Christian University and is in the process of earning his M.S. in cybersecurity from Utica College of Syracuse University.