About Randy

Randy, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), has spent his entire career studying and helping resolve complex technical and legal issues involving cybersecurity, privacy and national security – first as a crypto engineer at the National Security Agency (NSA) and in private industry, then as an attorney with Cooley. A veteran cyberlaw practitioner and pioneer in the areas of incident response, public key cryptography, and active defense, Randy has a national reputation for combining his deep cybersecurity technical experience with practical advice to his clients on a broad range of cutting-edge cybersecurity, privacy, artificial intelligence, IT licensing and intellectual property issues. Having previously served as in-house counsel to a Silicon Valley startup, Randy employs a pragmatic approach when working with clients. He also has handled a wide variety of data breach and cyber incidents, including for major commercial retailers, large financial institutions, online service providers and healthcare organizations.

As an attorney and former crypto engineer, I approach cybersecurity and privacy from all angles; I don't just talk the talk – I also walk the walk.

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Experience

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Admissions and credentials

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland
  • Virginia
  • US Patent and Trademark Office

Rankings and accolades

Chambers USA: Privacy & Data Security – Nationwide (2007 – 2025)

Eight-time Law360: Cybersecurity & Privacy Practice Group of the Year (2024)

The Legal 500 US: Technology – Data Protection and Privacy (2016 – 2023) and Media, Technology and Telecoms – Technology Transactions (2015)

Information Systems Security Association: Information Security Professional of the Year (2013)

Information Systems Security Association: Distinguished Fellow (2018)

Washingtonian magazine: Top Lawyer in Cybersecurity (2015)

The American Lawyer’s IP Law & Business magazine: Top 50 Under 45 (2007)

Memberships and affiliations

  • American Bar Association - Section of Science and Technology Law
  • FBI Citizens Academy
  • FBI Infragard
  • Georgetown Cybersecurity Law Institute
  • International Association of Privacy Professionals
  • Information Systems Security Association
  • MissionLink Next
  • RSA Conference Program Committee

An excellent cybersecurity partner. He was fantastic and really impressive. He is very knowledgeable and can bridge the technical, forensic cyber elements with the law, which is unique." "For something complicated and cutting-edge in cybersecurity or incident response, he is a person I look to for his thought leadership in the field."

Chambers USA

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