Allen & Overy welcomes top data privacy and cybersecurity partner Helen Christakos

Helen has deep experience counseling a broad range of clients on the complex and ever-changing privacy, Internet and cybersecurity laws and developing practical solutions to mitigate these risks. Helen represents clients in privacy and cybersecurity issues in M&A, private equity, financings, IPOs, SPACs, asset purchases and commercial transactions, product counseling (developing products and services that comply with privacy and data security laws), developing privacy and security policies, and managing cybersecurity incidents. She advises Fortune 100 companies, private equity firms and investment funds in the technology, life sciences and fintech sectors. 

Bill Schwitter, Chair of A&O’s U.S. Corporate practice, said, “Data privacy and cybersecurity are critical issues facing our clients. Helen is an exceptional lawyer, and on A&O’s platform, she will add vital expertise and further strengthen our U.S. transactional offering.”

“We welcome Helen to our U.S. team and growing Silicon Valley presence,” said Karen Seward, incoming U.S. Co-Chair. “Helen’s hire is an important step in our U.S. growth, as we continue to build out key practice areas for the benefit of our clients globally.”

Helen commented: “Allen & Overy’s platform has carved out a unique position advising clients in the technology and life sciences space on some of the most exciting and cutting-edge transactions. I’m looking forward to contributing to the continued growth of the firm.”

Helen holds degrees from University of California, Berkeley (J.D.) and Cambridge University (M.Phil). Additionally, Helen was a Fulbright Scholar at Humboldt Universität zu Berlin. In addition to practicing law, Helen is an adjunct professor at Santa Clara University School of Law and recognized as one of California’s top cybersecurity lawyers.

Helen joins A&O as part of the firm’s continued expansion in the U.S. She is the 46th U.S. lateral partner hire in the last three years. As part of A&O’s West Coast growth initiative, the firm has opened three offices in California (Los Angeles, San Francisco and Silicon Valley) within the past two years. Helen joins an impressive team of now 41 attorneys in California who advise in areas, including technology transactions, fintech, data privacy and cybersecurity, IP, corporate M&A, private equity, funds and asset management, and project finance and renewables.