National law firm Husch Blackwell is pleased to announce that Erik Dullea has rejoined the firm as a partner in the firm’s Denver office and as a member of its Data Privacy & Cybersecurity team.
Dullea will lead Husch Blackwell’s Cybersecurity practice after serving for more than a year in the Office of General Counsel for the National Security Agency where he was the acting deputy associate general counsel for the NSA’s cybersecurity practice group. He focuses his practice on compliance requirements related to cybersecurity and data privacy, including statutory, regulatory, and consensus-based standards, with an emphasis on critical infrastructure sectors such as Chemical, Critical Manufacturing, Communications, Energy, Information Technology, Transportation, and the Defense Industrial Base. He represents defense contractors and subcontractors; companies underpinning electrical, wastewater, transportation, and smart city systems; and other major organizations facing extortion threats from malicious foreign cyber actors.
“During the pandemic, Erik approached leadership wanting to return to public service with the ultimate intention of returning to the firm. He had our full support," said Jeff Sigmund, partner and leader of Husch Blackwell’s Transportation, Manufacturing and Technology industry team. “The experience he earned at the Department of Defense is invaluable and will greatly benefit our clients. We are thrilled he has returned to lead our cybersecurity practice and to help grow the data privacy and artificial intelligence teams, as well.”
As a retired navy captain and former pilot, Dullea’s background and hands-on experience give him an in-depth understanding of the operational and security issues that exist with heavy equipment, operational technology, and critical infrastructure. Similarly, Dullea understands the federal government’s strategies in cybersecurity and emerging technology, as well as its expectations for private companies to share information and leverage cybersecurity best practices to ensure that critical infrastructure always remains online.
“My time at the NSA’s Office of General Counsel gave me a first-hand appreciation for the many demands on in-house counsel’s time and how outside counsel can best support busy clients,” Dullea said. “There is so much information coming from multiple directions, and I’m eager to help protect clients’ businesses from malicious cyber actors.”
“Erik has a unique skill set and experience that complements our already robust data privacy practice. While businesses have to comply with various state laws, it’s equally important that they protect sensitive data from outside threats,” said David Stauss, partner and leader of Husch Blackwell’s Data Privacy team. “I’m delighted Erik has returned to Husch Blackwell and I look forward to building our national practice.”