As Of Counsel in the Privacy Practice, I provide specialized legal advice on data protection and privacy compliance. My role involves guiding clients through complex privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA, conducting privacy risk assessments, and developing data protection strategies. I handle investigations by regulators, ensuring clients are well-prepared and effectively represented throughout the process. Additionally, I draft and review privacy policies, oversee Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), and contribute to the firm’s thought leadership in privacy law. I also mentor junior attorneys, helping them navigate the evolving landscape of privacy and data security.

As the Founding Partner of Golden Data Law, a mission-driven public benefit corporation, I lead our firm’s efforts in providing top-tier legal services in privacy and data protection. As a teaching law firm, we are dedicated not only to serving clients but also to offering experiential opportunities to deserving students, preparing them to become future leaders in the field.Our mission extends beyond legal services; we help clients ethically harness the power of data to improve society. I lead initiatives such as developing data ethics frameworks, managing data rights requests, and advising on privacy by design. Additionally, I oversee the creation of comprehensive privacy programs, data mapping, and compliance strategies for regulations like GDPR and CCPA.In addition to advisory services, I manage transactional work, ensuring efficient contract processes and strong privacy practices. As an expert witness, I provide detailed analysis and testimony, grounded in a rigorous evaluation of evidence and data.Moreover, I provide privacy training and leadership coaching, helping clients establish and sustain effective privacy programs. Through Golden Data Law, we combine legal expertise with a commitment to teaching and responsible data use, guiding our clients toward innovative and ethical solutions.

As a Senior Lecturer at UC Davis School of Law, I teach advanced courses in privacy, data protection law, and AI and the law, guiding students through the complexities of these critical fields. My role involves developing and delivering curriculum that addresses current and emerging issues in privacy and AI law, equipping the next generation of legal professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate and influence these rapidly evolving areas.

In recognition of my expertise, I was appointed by California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins to the inaugural board of the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA). As one of five members, I played a pivotal role in shaping privacy regulations that safeguard consumers' rights under the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA). This leadership position allowed me to drive policy development, coordinate with diverse stakeholders, and champion advancements in privacy law. It underscored my commitment to leading efforts in safeguarding personal information and advancing privacy protections.

In my role as a professor at a UC university, I taught privacy and data protection law. This position marks my first academic appointment at a UC institution and highlights my deep commitment to fostering a comprehensive understanding of privacy issues among students, advancing both their knowledge and practical skills in this crucial field.

In 2009, my tenure as an inaugural Privacy Fellow at Santa Clara Law concluded. However, I continued to maintain a strong connection with the institution by teaching the course Comparative Privacy Law from 2019 to 2022. This role allowed me to stay engaged with academic developments in privacy law and share my expertise with students, furthering my commitment to education and the advancement of privacy law.

As an inaugural Privacy Fellow at Santa Clara Law, I combined my passion for teaching with strong public speaking and debate skills, leading to significant contributions in privacy policy. My research primarily focused on state-level privacy laws, with a particular emphasis on California’s regulations. I published in-depth analyses on privacy issues through my Golden Data Medium blog and other platforms. As co-director of the Santa Clara Privacy Law Certificate program, I worked to enhance both its curriculum and outreach. Additionally, I played a key role in the enactment of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and testified before the California Senate Judiciary Committee, comparing the CCPA to GDPR. This role allowed me to merge my teaching expertise with impactful research, policy work, and public engagement.

In my role at Squire, I specialized in Privacy & Security Law, providing expert legal guidance on privacy and data security issues while ensuring compliance with a wide range of regulations and industry standards. I also advised on Technology Transactions & Privacy Law, focusing on data protection and privacy considerations in technology deals and contracts. Additionally, I offered in-depth expertise on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), helping clients navigate and adhere to EU data protection requirements.I stepped down from this position to accept an appointment to the board of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). After concluding my time with the CCPA, I returned to Squire in 2024, resuming my focus on privacy law while continuing to contribute to the field and advance my professional practice.

In this role, I collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure comprehensive GDPR compliance across products, processes, and policies. I led financial privacy compliance programs for consumer-facing products, ensuring alignment with GLBA, FCRA, and CalFIPA standards.I directed privacy compliance efforts for global marketing and advertising initiatives, ensuring that all activities adhered to international privacy regulations. Additionally, I was responsible for drafting and negotiating Privacy Shield and GDPR-compliant agreements with third parties.My responsibilities also included creating and refining privacy notices and policies, conducting detailed privacy impact assessments, and reviewing and updating internal data transfer mechanisms to maintain GDPR compliance.

As Senior Counsel, I spearheaded the drafting and implementation of cutting-edge policies and procedures to ensure compliance with evolving privacy regulations. I designed and delivered advanced privacy awareness training programs to strengthen organizational adherence.I established and executed a proactive communication and engagement strategy with privacy regulators, skillfully managing and resolving complex investigations to maintain regulatory compliance.In this role, I provided strategic counsel to business units on privacy issues related to innovative products and technologies, ensuring that privacy considerations were seamlessly integrated into product development.Additionally, I offered expert advice on the privacy implications of acquiring international databases, crafting strategies to navigate and comply with diverse foreign privacy requirements, and addressing the challenges of cross-border data protection.

As my first US legal role following the self-directed study that enabled me to pass the California bar, I served as Appellate Counsel representing clients in criminal appeals. In this position, I conducted thorough legal research and drafted detailed appellant opening briefs, supplemental briefs, requests, and motions. This role honed my skills in appellate advocacy and legal writing, establishing a strong foundation for my legal career.

In January of 2009, I chose to work as a part-time interpreter to focus on passing the California bar and transitioning back into the legal profession. This decision allowed me to maintain and enhance my language skills while preparing to return to a full-time legal career.

As a certified legal interpreter in California, I provided expert interpretation services in legal proceedings, facilitating accurate and clear communication between English and Spanish speakers. This role required achieving certification through a rigorous and challenging examination process, demonstrating exceptional interpreting skills and a deep understanding of legal terminology and procedures. My certification underscored my commitment to delivering high-quality interpretation services in complex legal settings, ensuring that all parties had equitable access to justice.

As an Adjunct Faculty member at National Hispanic University, I taught courses in Spanish Grammar, Legal Translation and Interpretation, and Translation Theory & Technique. This role, my first position at a university, was deeply rewarding as it allowed me to support and engage with the Latino community in the US. I was passionate about teaching and mentoring, dedicated to fostering a dynamic learning environment, and inspired by the opportunity to contribute to and connect with the community through my work.

As a freelance Spanish interpreter specializing in medical and legal proceedings, I provided essential language support to ensure clear and accurate communication between Spanish-speaking clients and professionals. This role involved interpreting complex medical terminology and legal concepts, facilitating effective interactions in a variety of settings, including medical consultations and court hearings.I took on this role upon arriving in the US, as I was not yet licensed to practice law. It allowed me to immerse myself in the language and culture, while simultaneously honing my interpreting skills. This experience not only enhanced my proficiency in English but also deepened my understanding of the legal and medical fields, laying a solid foundation for my future legal career.

I provided expert advice to national and international corporations on accountability and strategic compliance with Spanish data protection laws and the EU Data Protection Directive. My role included identifying requirements for obtaining consent, implementing data transfer compliance strategies, and securing authorizations for transferring data outside the EEA.I also prepared and advised on corporate and personal taxes, ensuring organizations adhered to tax laws. I represented clients effectively in administrative enforcement proceedings and civil litigation.Additionally, I conducted comprehensive due diligence audits, negotiated complex acquisitions, and managed restructuring initiatives, including mergers and spin-offs, to optimize corporate structures and operations.