Kayleigh Watson is an Associate at Mullen Coughlin. Ms. Watson concentrates her practice on data privacy and cybersecurity beginning with the preparation for, investigation of and response to all aspects of data breach and network security incidents. She assists in the determination of the nature and scope of the intrusion and counsels her clients as to any legal obligations which result under state, federal and international law or any contractual duties. Throughout the incident and investigation, Ms. Watson directs forensics investigators and works with law enforcement to figure out what happened, confirm that the event has been contained and identify any resulting legal duties. Following the data security incident, Ms. Watson works with clients to ensure legally compliant notification of affected individuals and management of all ensuing state and federal regulatory inquires and investigations.
Ms. Watson has represented clients in responding to data security incidents by ensuring that a given entity has the appropriate support and resources necessary to ensure a continuation of business operations, providing the tools necessary to field and respond to inquiries from state and federal investigators and by preparing notice to individuals and media entities regarding data security incidents as necessary.
Ms. Watson has counseled numerous entities, including healthcare centers, online brick-and-mortar retailers, hospitality providers, nonprofits, school districts and additional professional service providers in investigating and responding to data security events. Her extensive knowledge regarding state, federal and international law has allowed clients to meet their compliance responsibilities timely and consistently. With experience in assisting clients in responding to inquiries from state attorney general’s offices, state health departments, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the HHS’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR), Ms. Watson is well equipped to aid with any type of data security incident.
Prior to joining Mullen Coughlin, Ms. Watson practiced insurance defense litigation at a national law firm based in Dallas. She defended clients in financial securities, real estate, premises liability, product liability and professional malpractice litigation.