PHILADELPHIA (April 18, 2016) – Reed Smith LLP today announced the addition of Samuel (Sam) Cullari as counsel in the firm’s growing IP, Information & Innovation Group. Cullari joins Reed Smith’s Philadelphia office after serving as deputy general counsel at Comcast Corp. His arrival follows closely on the addition of IP partners Lisa Chiarini in New York in February and Nic Barzoukas and Josh Davis earlier this month in Houston.
“Sam’s corporate and regulatory experience provides additional depth to our rapidly growing data security and privacy practice,” said Mark Melodia, co-chair of the firm’s IP, Information & Innovation practice. “At a time when data privacy and security are of paramount importance and pose significant risk, his knowledge and experience will help us to continue to meet the increasing client demand in this rapidly changing landscape.”
With extensive experience in privacy and data security issues in the communications industry, Cullari is well-versed on regulatory issues and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rulemaking. He has gained acclaim for his knowledge on legal risks and issues involving Customary Proprietary Network Information (CPNI) and Personally Identifiable Information, as well as new product and technology development.
At Comcast, Cullari directed the development of the company’s CPNI compliance program. In addition, he directed compliance under corporate privacy policies and laws, and served as lead counsel for the company in a variety of regulatory and litigation matters before state public utility commissions, administrative agencies, and state and federal courts.
“We are excited and pleased that Sam will be joining our Philadelphia office and the IP, Information & Innovation team,” said Philadelphia Office Managing Partner Leonard Bernstein. “With a broad base of experience in the region’s communications sector, he brings essential skills and knowledge to our growing privacy practice, and will greatly assist our clients in this important market and across our U.S. platform.”
Cullari earned his J.D. from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and his BA in communications, cum laude, from Seton Hall University. While in law school, he held internships at the FCC, giving him first-hand insight and knowledge of the agency’s regulatory work and scope.
Reed Smith's IP, Information & Innovation Group comprises more than 100 attorneys worldwide and handles a range of IP matters for clients. Residing within the group, the Information Technology, Privacy & Data Security Group assists firm clients across a wide range of industry sectors in the United States and around the world with the full spectrum of data privacy and security issues, including advising on compliance and risk management, performing due diligence and risk assessments in transactional matters, assisting in product development, guiding companies through all aspects of cybersecurity and data theft incidents, and defending against privacy and security-related litigation and regulatory enforcement actions. The group’s attorneys are active members of the International Association of Privacy Professionals.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with more than 1,800 lawyers in 26 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute-resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, entertainment and media, shipping and transport, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.
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