GDPR Compliance & Due Diligence for M&A Transactions

Melinda McLellan is a seasoned privacy and cybersecurity specialist currently focused on the regulation of emerging technologies and cross-border data protection law. As co-leader of BakerHostetler's EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) initiative, Melinda works with multinational clients to identify, evaluate and manage the myriad compliance obligations associated with corporate privacy and information security practices. Her broader practice includes advising on a wide variety of complex privacy and data management issues, including biometrics, securing the Internet of Things, implementation of blockchain technologies, cybersecurity threats to the financial services and energy sectors, autonomous vehicles, genetic privacy, artificial intelligence, Big Data, managing information security incidents, and negotiating complex tech transactions.

Select Experience:

• Advises on compliance with international data transfer restrictions and data localization requirements, including through the implementation of cross-border transfer mechanisms such as the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield framework, standard contractual clauses, intercompany agreements and binding corporate rules.Advises clients on the development and implementation of enterprise-wide privacy and information security programs, including by creating employee privacy training modules and drafting company codes of conduct, policies, standards, procedures and guidelines related to the protection of personal data.
• Manages complex technology transactions on both the vendor side and the customer side, drafting and negotiating multiparty contracts and outsourcing agreements from the RFP through follow-up compliance assessments. 
• Counsels clients on the legal implications of various data collection and analytics technologies, including facial recognition software, geolocation tracking and web-based tools used for behavioral and other targeted marketing purposes.

Seth advises clients on cross border transactions, U.S. securities offerings and international dispute resolution. Having practiced in both France and New York, he works hand in hand with public and private companies in Asia, Europe and the United States to advise on strategic transactions and disputes, including advising boards of directors and special committees. He also represents clients in international arbitrations.

Seth previously taught at the Sorbonne in Paris and acted as Assistant Counsel in multiple pre-trial cases at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. He is admitted to the bar in New York and Paris. He attended Georgetown University Law Center and has a Master’s degree from the Sorbonne and from the Institut de Sciences Politiques de Paris.