About Sherrese
Sherrese Smith: Leading Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Attorney
Sherrese Smith is a globally recognized legal leader, currently serving as the Global Managing Partner of Paul Hastings. She is renowned for her strategic vision, deep expertise in data privacy and cybersecurity, and unwavering dedication to protecting her clients’ interests in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. Ms. Smith consistently ranks among the country’s top legal professionals, recognized by Chambers USA and Legal 500 for her leadership, business acumen, and profound understanding of the legal and technological challenges faced by organizations worldwide.
As Global Managing Partner, Ms. Smith directs the firm’s growth and strategy, leveraging her extensive experience to guide Paul Hastings’ commitment to innovation and client success. Her previous role as Vice Chair of the Data Privacy and Cybersecurity practice solidified her position as a leading voice in this critical field. She excels in providing litigation support, crisis response, regulatory investigations, and strategic legal counsel across a broad range of industries, including media, technology, and telecommunications.
Ms. Smith’s expertise extends to advising corporate boards and C-suite executives on navigating intricate data privacy and cybersecurity matters, particularly those involving cross-border compliance and enforcement proceedings. She’s frequently sought after for her superior advisement during crisis situations, demonstrating her ability to provide decisive leadership and minimize risk for her clients.
Prior to joining Paul Hastings, Ms. Smith served as Chief Counsel to Chairman Julius Genachowski at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), where she played a pivotal role in shaping the agency’s policies related to media and technology. Her work led to the refinement and implementation of new rules on data privacy and cybersecurity for multinational companies operating across the U.S., EU, and Asia. This involved extensive engagement with a diverse array of stakeholders – including wireless, media, cable, and telecommunications companies; industry groups and trade associations; federal and state agencies; and Congress – highlighting her exceptional communication and negotiation skills. This work focused on complex issues related to data privacy and cybersecurity, demonstrating her proactive approach to regulatory change.
Before her tenure at the FCC in 2009, Ms. Smith served as Vice President and General Counsel of Washington Post Digital, managing legal and policy matters for 10 diverse business units. This experience provided her with a unique understanding of the legal and operational considerations involved in supporting a global media organization.
Ms. Smith’s commitment to governance and strategic decision-making extends beyond her legal practice. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Gen (NASDAQ:GEN) and Cable ONE (NYSE: CABO), and is a member of the Northwestern University’s Law School board, the University of Maryland’s Journalism School board as well as America’s Public Television Stations executive board. This diverse board experience further strengthens her ability to provide insightful counsel and strategic guidance.
Practice Areas:
Sherrese Smith specializes in providing comprehensive legal solutions in the following key areas:
- Privacy and Data Security Law
- Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
- Crisis Response
- Regulatory Investigations & Enforcement
- Cybersecurity Breach Response
- Global Privacy Compliance
- Media and Technology Law
Awards & Recognition:
Sherrese Smith is consistently recognized as a leading attorney and receives awards including:
- Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2023
- Featured in Chambers USA
- Listed in Legal 500
Education & Credentials:
Sherrese Smith holds the following qualifications:
- Bar Admissions: District of Columbia
- Active member of the Northwestern University’s Law School board
- Member of the University of Maryland’s Journalism School board
- Member of America’s Public Television Stations executive board
Location: Washington, State: District of Columbia, Country: United States
