Overview
Jason counsels clients in high-stakes, complex litigation in state and federal courts across multiple jurisdictions. As both a strategic and pragmatic problem solver, Jason focuses on business-oriented results. He also has an established track record in class action consumer claims litigation. These cases focus on privacy and data security and Jason often resolves them in their earliest stages to avoid costly and protracted litigation.
Jason’s cross-disciplinary practice also encompasses proactive and reactive privacy and data security counseling, data breach/incident investigations and response, virtual in-house counsel services, regulatory and internal investigations, financial services litigation, and class action and multi-district litigation. Because data security touches nearly all sectors, his clients span virtually all industries and include Fortune 500 companies, major retailers, financial services institutions, insurance companies, energy companies, and technology companies. He often represents clients in high-profile class actions resulting from data breaches, including the largest reported data breach in history and a ransomware attack that caused the shutdown of all petroleum delivery to the eastern seaboard of the United States.
Jason has represented clients not only across the country but also around the world on transnational privacy and cybersecurity matters, often with conflicting laws. He advises on issues relating to consumer and regulatory compliance, assisting his clients in preparing for examinations, investigations, and evolving cybersecurity risks. His experience extends to guiding clients through compliance and enforcement matters and has involved regulatory, compliance, and enforcement advice with governmental entities such as the FTC, Federal Reserve Bank, FDIC, OCC, FBI, and the US Secret Service.
After interning with the Honorable Margaret H. Murphy of the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Jason began his legal career with a clerkship for the Honorable Hugh Lawson of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia.
His experience throughout his career has led to speaking engagements, where he shares his knowledge on issues related to cybersecurity, privacy, and litigation. Jason also is a contributor to Hunton’s renowned Privacy Blog, leading Privacy and Cybersecurity Law Deskbook, and multi-edition A Practitioner’s Guide to Class Actions.
Experience
- Director of Legal & Compliance, Katapult Group, Inc. (Oct. 2021 to Mar. 2022): Oversaw all legal, compliance, and privacy areas for publicly traded company, Katapult Group, Inc. during six-month secondment. Katapult provides a technology driven lease-to-own platform that integrates with omnichannel retailers and e-commerce platforms to power the purchasing of everyday durable goods for underserved US non-prime consumers.
- Conducted dozens of internal investigations regarding cyber security, consumer services outsourcing, banking and other regulatory compliance, cyber intrusions of major retailers and financial institutions, and information security remediation. Jason has worked with US and international law enforcement and regulators on such events.
- Advises on data protection and potential compromises of sensitive data for healthcare companies, retailers, financial institutions (e.g., banks, mortgage lenders and servicers, payment processors, and debt repurchasers), law firms, and government clients.
- Advised healthcare companies, major web services providers, retailers, financial services, and institutions on government investigations, as well as regulatory compliance for information security and technology issues.
- Defended and prosecuted a variety of commercial litigation matters in state and federal courts throughout the US (including multi-district litigation, class action, as well as trial and appellate experience), such as:
- Cyber security litigation concerning the Wiretap and Stored Communications Act, the FTC Act, identity theft laws, and breach notification statutes;
- Data security claims arising from tort and contract theories;
- National consumer lender and creditor litigation regarding a variety of consumer litigation in Georgia and the surrounding states, specifically with regard to mortgage issues; and
- Lawsuits alleging violations of federal lending statutes such as TILA, RESPA, and FCRA, alleged violations of state statutes regulating mortgage lenders, common law tort claims, and aggressive creditor actions.
- Defended state and federal class actions involving national banking associations' transaction posting order, insurance companies' claims evaluation software, internet service provider and payment processor's early termination fees, and security deed release issues.
Accolades
Honors & Recognitions
- Randolph Williams Community Service Award, 2006-2010, 2012-2013, 2020-2021, 2024
- “On the Rise” honoree, Daily Report, 2016
- Selected as “Georgia Rising Star,” Georgia Super Lawyers Magazine, 2012-2013
- Empire State Counsel Honoree (for pro bono service)
- Atlanta Legal Aid Superman Award
Affiliations
Professional
- Board of Directors, Georgia Lawyers for the Arts, 2024-present
- Member, American Bar Association, 2006-present
- Member, Atlanta Bar Association, 2005-present
- Lamar Inn of Courts
Insights
Legal Updates
Events & Speaking Engagements
Publications
News
Education
JD, Emory University School of Law, Executive Articles Editor, Bankruptcy Developments Journal, Moot Court Society, National Team Member, Georgia Intrastate Team Member, and Coach, 2003
BA, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, summa cum laude, College Scholars in Spanish and Legal/Cultural Studies, Phi Beta Kappa, Whittle Scholarship, 1999
Admissions
District of Columbia
Georgia
New York
Clerkships
- US District Court, Middle District of Georgia
