Richard M. Haggerty represents both businesses and non-profit organizations across a variety of industry sectors in data privacy class action cases filed in federal and state courts across the United States. When an organization faces a class action following a data privacy action, Rick counsels them and works to find creative solutions that best serve the organization’s interest – whether through early resolution, strategic motion practice or continued litigation. In this constantly evolving area of the law, Rick has assisted his clients in avoiding potentially catastrophic civil liability and has worked to achieve results in an efficient, cost-effective and timely manner. In addition to data privacy class actions, Rick defends organizations who face potential financial liability after being victimized by cyber-criminals in wire transfer fraud schemes. Rick also represents organizations in data security investigations before regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and state Attorney General’s offices.

Prior to joining Mullen Coughlin, Rick worked in the Philadelphia and New York offices of a large national law firm. Throughout his career, he has successfully represented organizations in complex commercial litigation matters, including contract disputes; fraud claims and other business torts; shareholder suits; employment discrimination; statutory claims; and general commercial matters. He has argued motions in courts across the United States, has tried multiple cases to final jury verdicts, has represented clients in international arbitration matters and has worked on a number of white collar and internal corporate investigations. Rick also has represented multiple pro bono clients in federal court litigation and is the former president of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania chapter of the Federal Bar Association.

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

• Co-lead counsel in a data breach class action in state court involving millions of putative class members resulting in successful motion to dismiss
• Co-lead counsel in a data breach class action in federal court resulting in a successful motion to dismiss for a majority of the named plaintiffs
• Obtained one of the nation’s first dismissals of a data breach class action on standing grounds following U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in TransUnion LLC v. Ramirez
• Represented a nationwide network of fertility clinics in consolidated data privacy class action in federal court
• Represented an automobile insurance company in consolidated data privacy class action involving novel legal issues under federal Drivers Privacy Protection Act (DPPA)

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS & PRESENTATIONS

• “Data Breach Class Action Update,” Continuing Legal Education, Devon, PA, April 27, 2022
• “Document Preservation,” Continuing Legal Education, Devon, PA, June 28, 2021

AWARDS & HONORS

• New York Super Lawyers “Rising Star” – Business Litigation (2017-2019)